Midwives for Maximizing Optimal Maternity Services Act of 2025; Midwives for MOMS Act of 2025
Summary
The Midwives for Maximizing Optimal Maternity Services Act of 2025, also known as the Midwives for MOMS Act of 2025, aims to address maternity care shortages and improve maternity outcomes by expanding educational opportunities for midwives and nurse-midwives. The bill proposes grants to institutions of higher education and schools of nursing to support students, establish or expand midwifery programs, and increase the number of qualified preceptors. It allocates specific funding amounts for these purposes over the fiscal years 2026 through 2030.
The bill prioritizes institutions that focus on students planning to practice in health professional shortage areas and those that recruit and retain students from rural and economically disadvantaged communities. It amends the Public Health Service Act to include definitions related to midwifery schools and programs.
This legislation seeks to bolster the midwifery workforce, particularly in underserved areas, with the goal of improving access to maternity care and promoting better health outcomes for mothers and infants.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would increase the number of midwives and nurse-midwives practicing in the United States, particularly in underserved areas. This would likely lead to improved access to maternity care services for women, especially in rural and economically disadvantaged communities. The increased availability of midwives could also contribute to better maternal and infant health outcomes.
Furthermore, the bill's focus on educational support and program expansion could stimulate growth in the midwifery profession, attracting more individuals to pursue careers in this field. The prioritization of institutions serving health professional shortage areas would help to address geographic disparities in healthcare access.
However, the bill's restriction on using funds for midwifery programs within schools of nursing (for the midwifery school grants) could create some separation between different types of midwifery education.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to maternity care, especially in underserved areas.
- Improved maternal and infant health outcomes.
- Expanded educational opportunities for aspiring midwives and nurse-midwives.
- Growth and development of the midwifery profession.
- Targeted support for institutions serving rural and economically disadvantaged communities.
Potential Disadvantages
- The restriction on funding midwifery programs within schools of nursing (for the midwifery school grants) might limit collaboration and integration of different midwifery education models.
- The allocated funding may not be sufficient to fully address the maternity care shortage across the country.
- The bill does not address potential barriers to practice, such as restrictive state regulations or limited insurance coverage for midwifery services.
- The focus on educational support may not directly address other factors contributing to maternity care shortages, such as burnout or low compensation among maternity care providers.
- The bill's success depends on the effective implementation of grant programs and the ability of institutions to attract and retain students.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble), which allows Congress to enact laws that promote the health and well-being of the population. Specifically, it falls under the purview of Congress to regulate interstate commerce (Article I, Section 8) as it pertains to healthcare and the provision of medical services. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
However, the Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, and healthcare regulation has traditionally been an area of state authority. The federal government's role is primarily through funding and setting standards, which this bill seems to follow. The appropriations authorized in the bill must be approved by Congress, adhering to the principle of congressional control over federal spending (Article I, Section 9).
Overall, the bill's focus on improving maternity care access and outcomes appears to be a legitimate exercise of congressional power under the Constitution, particularly the general welfare clause.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).