Strickland Leads Bipartisan Push To Expand Midwifery Care For Military Families

Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) is leading a bipartisan push to improve maternal health care for military families through expanded access to midwifery services. In recognition of the International Day of the Midwife, Strickland reintroduced the MIDWIVES for Servicemembers Act, a bill aimed at broadening maternity care options for servicemembers and their families enrolled in TRICARE.

“It is our job to support our servicemembers, and this includes providing help before, during and after childbirth,” said Strickland. “This bill expands midwifery care options, giving servicemembers and their families the care that they deserve.”

The legislation, co-led by Reps. Emily Randall (WA-06), Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), and Jen Kiggans (VA-02), reflects a bipartisan commitment to expanding maternity care options for military families.

The proposed bill creates a five-year pilot program within TRICARE to cover services provided by credentialed midwives, with the goal of making that coverage permanent.

“Sexual and reproductive health care is essential, and we have a responsibility to ensure that service members and their families can access the care they deserve,” said Randall. “Expanding midwifery services through TRICARE is a critical step toward closing the dangerous gaps in maternal health care that too many people — especially those who serve our nation — are forced to navigate.”

The legislation has received endorsements from major national organizations including the American Association of Birth Centers, American College of Nurse Midwives, and the National Association of Certified Professional Midwives (NACPM), among others. Advocates emphasize that the bill will help meet the growing demand for community-based maternal care and support military families in underserved areas.

“The MIDWIVES for Servicemembers Act directly addresses a critical gap in maternity care for military families by expanding TRICARE to include all credentialed midwives. By recognizing Certified Professional Midwives and Certified Midwives as authorized providers, this bill not only increases access to care, especially in underserved areas, but also affirms the right of military families to choose safe community-based care,” said Cassaundra Jah, Executive Director of NACPM. “With over half of U.S. birth centers staffed by CPMs, this legislation will dramatically expand access to midwifery-led birth center services. NACPM strongly supports this bill as a meaningful, evidence-based solution that honors the dignity, autonomy, and well-being of our nation’s servicemembers and their families.”

Ciscomani, a father of six, spoke to the unique challenges faced by military families during pregnancy and childbirth.

“As our troops and their families serve our nation, they deserve access to the very best care, especially if they are looking to start or expand their family,” said Ciscomani. “As a dad of six I can tell you, planning to welcome a child to your family is an exciting time. However, serving in the military or having a spouse in uniform can pose additional difficulties for mothers-to-be. This is why I once again joined Rep. Strickland in a bipartisan effort to expand access to midwifery care for military spouses and women in uniform who are enrolled in TRICARE to ensure they can receive the care they need.”

Kiggans, a Navy veteran and former nurse practitioner, emphasized the importance of improving health outcomes for military families while easing the burden on the military health system.

“As a Navy veteran and former nurse practitioner, I know firsthand the importance of high-quality, accessible maternal care for our military families,” said Kiggans. “The MIDWIVES for Service Members Act is a commonsense, data-driven solution that expands care options under TRICARE, improves outcomes for mothers and babies, and helps reduce strain on military healthcare systems. I’m proud to help lead this bipartisan effort to better support those who serve by delivering the care they and their families deserve.”