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Midwives Alliance of Pennsylvania
Stay Informed. Stay Engaged. Make Your Voice Heard.
Legislative Action Center
Meaningful advocacy begins with informed and engaged midwives. The MAP Legislative Action Center serves as a central resource for legislative updates, advocacy tools, and opportunities to participate in shaping public policy affecting community-based midwifery throughout Pennsylvania.
Whether you are contacting your legislator for the first time or have years of advocacy experience, MAP is committed to providing the information and resources you need to effectively represent the profession.
Current Legislation
Stay informed about legislation affecting community-based midwifery and maternity care throughout Pennsylvania.
This section may include:
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Current House and Senate Bills
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Bill Summaries
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MAP Position Statements
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Legislative Status Updates
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Committee Assignments
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Hearing Notices
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Voting Results
HB 2520
Lay Midwifery Informed Consent Notice
Referred to House Children & Youth Committee
House Bill 2520 would amend Pennsylvania's Medical Practice Act by establishing informed consent requirements for individuals practicing lay or direct-entry midwifery who are not licensed under the Act. The bill defines "lay midwife," prohibits unlicensed individuals from representing themselves as licensed midwives or administering prescription medications, and requires specific written disclosures and informed consent documents before providing care. The bill also includes a religious exemption for certain informed consent requirements.
HB 1851
Fetal Death Certification by Licensed Midwives
Pending Senate Consideration
House Bill 1851 amends Pennsylvania's Vital Statistics Law to authorize licensed Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) and Certified Midwives (CMs) to complete the medical certification portion of fetal death certificates when they are the attending provider. Under current law, only physicians, certified registered nurse practitioners, and physician assistants may provide this certification.
SB 507
Certified Midwife Licensure Act
Passed
Senate Bill 507, now Act 14 of 2026, amended Pennsylvania's Medical Practice Act by creating licensure for Certified Midwives (CMs), expanding certain practice authorities for Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs), and modernizing several provisions governing licensed midwifery practice.
Importantly, the final legislation expressly states that it neither authorizes nor prohibits the practice of lay midwives, direct-entry midwives, or other unlicensed birth workers. Individuals practicing under those models are not considered licensed or regulated by the Commonwealth under this Act.
HB 1251
Physical Therapy Referral Authority
Passed
House Bill 1251, enacted as Act 12 of 2026, amended Pennsylvania's Physical Therapy Practice Act to authorize licensed midwives to refer patients directly to physical therapists for conditions within the scope of midwifery practice. The legislation recognizes midwives as appropriate referral providers for pelvic floor therapy and other physical therapy services related to pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care.
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