A Landmark Policy for Community Midwifery: The Coalition Effort Behind Massachusetts' 2024 Maternal Health Omnibus Law.

Abstract

Historically, Massachusetts has lagged behind much of the United States with limited midwifery access and curtailed options for community birth across the state. Over the past 2 decades, significant coalition building and political action culminated in the 2024 passage of the Massachusetts maternal health omnibus law. The purpose of this article is to describe the many events that unfolded to achieve this landmark legislation. This law was enacted through evidence-informed policy and was grounded in reproductive justice. It modernized birth center regulations, established a licensure pathway for certified professional midwives, and improved reimbursement for midwifery services. The passage of this law demonstrates how coalition power can redress long-standing structural barriers to midwifery services and community birth.