DEM Legalization By Decade and Licensing Verification

When examining the level of scope, integration, and respect for direct-entry midwives in a given state, there is often a clear correlation with the number of decades the profession has been legally recognized. In states where midwifery has been legal for a longer period, we typically see greater professional integration, broader scope of practice, and stronger relationships between midwives and healthcare systems. This progression reflects the time, trust, and persistent advocacy required to reestablish midwifery as a respected and accessible part of the maternity care landscape. The process of normalizing midwifery after decades of restriction or criminalization does not happen overnight; rather, it is the result of ongoing efforts by midwives on the ground, working to demonstrate the safety, effectiveness, and cultural significance of their care. As midwives continue to advocate for full scope of practice, inclusion in healthcare policy, and equitable reimbursement, the profession steadily regains its rightful place within the broader healthcare system.

Myers-Cieko, Jo Anne. Personal conversation. 26 Feb. 2025.

Push for Midwives. Feeling Pushy. Push for Midwives, 2024, https://pushformidwives.org/feelingpushy/. Accessed 2024.