HARRISBURG – In recognition of National Midwifery Week, Sen. Rosemary Brown (R-40) will host a Midwifery Advocacy Day along with midwives, advocates and fellow legislators to raise awareness and celebrate the introduction of Senate Bill 1262, legislation aimed at modernizing midwifery practice across Pennsylvania. The event will take place Tuesday, Oct. 8, at 11:30 a.m. in the Main Rotunda of the state Capitol, located in the Capitol Complex, Harrisburg.
Senate Bill 1262 would expand access to high-quality maternity care for families across the commonwealth by modernizing midwifery laws and improving maternal health outcomes.
“Pennsylvania families are facing increasing barriers when it comes to accessing quality maternal and infant health care, especially in rural areas,” said Brown. “The March of Dimes’ latest Maternity Care Desert Report highlights the difficult choices many families face, with residents in 20 counties needing to travel out of their communities to find care. By passing the Midwifery Modernization Act, we can align Pennsylvania with national trends, expand access to essential care and ensure that certified midwives can continue to provide high-quality, professional support for expecting mothers and their newborns. This legislation is a vital step toward improving maternal health care and outcomes in the commonwealth.”
Additional speakers will include:
- Melissa Patti, director of maternal and infant health for March of Dimes,
- Emily McGahey, board of directors for the American College of Nurse-Midwives, clinical director at the Midwife Center,
- Karen Kelly, certified midwife,
- Kate Lally, family representative,
- Jessica Reid, family representative.
Livestream will be available at www.senatorbrown40.com.
CONTACT:
Christine Zubeck