PETITION: Support and Advance S2729/A4281, the Midwifery Licensing Act

We, the undersigned residents of New Jersey, respectfully urge the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee and the Assembly Regulated Professions Committee to advance S2729, sponsored by Senator Timberlake and co-sponsored by Senator Gopal, and A4281, sponsored by Assemblywoman Speight and Assemblywoman Reynolds-Jackson and co-sponsored by Assemblywoman Haider, the Midwifery Licensing Act, out of committee and support its passage into law.

New Jersey continues to face unacceptably high rates of maternal and infant mortality and morbidity. Addressing these outcomes requires expanding access to safe, high-quality, evidence-based care, including midwifery services.

S2729/A4281 recognizes the vital role midwives play in improving maternal and infant health and creates a modern regulatory framework that reflects the current practice of midwifery. Many of New Jersey's statutes governing midwifery date back more than a century and no longer reflect the realities of today's maternal health system. This bill updates that outdated framework by establishing a State Board of Midwifery to oversee licensure and regulation of certified midwives, certified nurse midwives, and certified professional midwives.

By creating an independent board and modernizing licensure, S2729/A4281 will help ensure that midwives are regulated by professionals with the expertise to oversee their education, certification, and scope of practice.

This legislation is an important step toward strengthening New Jersey's maternal health system, expanding access to qualified providers, and improving outcomes for families across the state, especially in communities most impacted by inequities in care.

We respectfully urge the members of both committees to vote to advance S2729/A4281 out of committee and call on your colleagues in the full Legislature to support its passage.

New Jersey's mothers, infants, and families deserve a modern maternal health system that reflects best practices and improves access to care.