A bipartisan resolution sponsored on Sept. 12 by U.S. Rep. Young Kim (R-CA) aims to raise awareness about birth centers and their importance for maternal health care.
“Birth centers are based on the midwifery model of care and provide quality, affordable maternity care for women and families, no matter their zip code,” Rep. Kim said. “Sixty percent of mothers meet risk criteria for birth center care in the United States. That is why supporting our midwifery-care workforce is so important.”
House Resolution (H.Res.) 1444, which is cosponsored by U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL), also would recognize Sept. 14-20 as National Birth Center Week.
“I am proud to lead this bipartisan resolution to recognize National Birth Center Week and highlight birth centers’ contributions to healthier maternal and infant care and outcomes,” said Rep. Kim. “As co-chair of the Maternity Care Caucus, I will keep working to deliver results and support women, babies, and families.”
The resolution supports the goals and ideals of National Birth Center Week, including celebrating birth centers for providing safe patient and family-centered care for underserved communities in support of birth, newborn, and parent transition, leading to reduced preterm births and cesarean section rates and increase breastfeeding rates, according to the text of H.Res. 1444.
Additionally, the resolution would recognize National Birth Center Week and encourage families, communities, health institutions, and policymakers and regulatory agencies to learn more about birth centers’ midwifery model of care and effectiveness; and support increased use of the birth center model to expand access to high-quality, affordable care and improve perinatal outcomes for families, the text says.
“Far too often, mothers don’t receive the care they need and deserve due to racial disparities in our healthcare system or due to healthcare deserts,” said Rep. Kelly, who also serves as a co-chair of the Maternity Care Caucus. “Birth centers help close equity gaps by providing high-quality care during birth and postpartum, guided by principles of safety, shared decision-making, and appropriate medical intervention.”
The American Association of Birth Centers endorsed H.Res. 1444, which has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee.
