Governor Signs Comprehensive Midwifery and Maternal Health Bill


Photo: Stefanie Belnavis, Birthlooms

We did it!

On August 15, 2024, the Massachusetts Legislature passed the bill H.4999, An Act promoting access to midwifery care and out-of-hospital birth options, a “Momnibus” package of legislation that expands access to midwifery care, birth centers, home births, and much more. After unanimous votes in the House (June 20) and the Senate (July 30), the conference committee combined the two versions into a final compromise bill that has now been passed. The bill was signed into law on August 23 with a ceremonial signing event on August 26 by Governor Maura Healey.

Massachusetts families can look forward to greater access to midwifery care and out-of-hospital birth options at home or in birth centers.

The bill is excellent, and the result of so much hard work from advocates, legislators, and legislative staff. This would not have happened without all of you, making your voices heard, sharing your stories, spreading the word, educating legislators, and advocating for the best possible bill. Beacon Hill really heard us when we said: “Midwives save lives,” and this labor of love has resulted in meaningful change that will impact families for generations.

Midwifery components of the bill:

  • License certified professional midwives (CPMs), protecting autonomous practice and establishing a board of midwifery

  • Require MassHealth to cover CPM care

  • Require MassHealth to reimburse nurse midwives equitably (100% of what physician rate would be)

  • Update state birth center regulations

  • Allow CPMs and CNMs to staff and lead birth centers

In addition to midwives and birth centers, the bill expands access to postpartum mental health screenings and creates a grant program for community based maternal mental health support. The bill also has provisions for a MassHealth postpartum home visiting program, doula access, lactation consultant licensure, and more.

“Maternal health bill passed on Beacon Hill could change the game ‘for generations’” (WGBH)

“State lawmakers agree on maternal health bill” (WBUR)

“Mass. Legislature votes to expand access to midwives, improve maternal health care” (Boston Globe)

Just before the vote: “Massachusetts will have a path to more midwives and birth centers — if lawmakers can agree” (WGBH)

BillEmily Anestanews, bill