Philosophy Statement

The Midwifery Education Accreditation Council, recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, is an accrediting body for direct-entry midwifery educational programs. Accreditation plays an essential role in high quality midwifery training and practice by requiring educators to follow a path of continual growth and quality improvement. MEAC embraces our crucial role in the accountability of the midwifery profession.

We acknowledge that there is an inherent tension between upholding objective standards and maintaining a rich variety of options for students and for the childbearing public. MEAC accepts the challenge of weaving those threads into the framework of our core mission, documents, and standards.

We believe that the Midwives Model of Care (Copyright (c) 1996-2008, Midwifery Task Force, Inc.), from which MEAC standards are derived, can have a positive influence on healthcare through collaboration with all professions involved in the maternity care system. MEAC utilizes the Midwives Model of Care as a source of ideals for educating up-and-coming midwives and as a map for MEAC’s work as accreditors, through respectful, fair, individualized, responsive, and transparent interactions.

• MEAC standards form a blueprint for steady growth and upgrading of educational programs that are built on current best-practice research and evidence, utilizing various educational routes including conventional classroom learning, distance learning, and clinical placement
• MEAC encourages broad student and faculty input in designing innovative programs that address the needs of the many communities from which midwives come and serve.
• MEAC values and cultivates competency-based educational programs that are not defined by the length of time spent in school but by meeting recognized standards of core competency.
• MEAC promotes the training of midwives who will provide care for all families.
• MEAC strives for the board composition to reflect the various skill sets required to govern effectively.

MEAC believes that accreditation has the power to effect positive change in the maternity care system. This accountability can enhance the standing of skilled midwives as primary providers in healthcare for childbearing families by expanding training programs that integrate the Midwives Model of Care and incorporate innovations in knowledge and care provision.

Vision

MEAC’s vision is to serve as a respected and forward-thinking partner in the health and education landscape. MEAC is committed to expanding access to high-quality midwifery education opportunities nationwide, ensuring that aspiring midwives are well-prepared to meet the varied needs of communities across the United States.

MEAC Strategic Plan 2025-2030

MEAC envisions that we demonstrate our stability, sustainability, and impact in the following ways:

• Our agency thrives with committed, engaged, and supported people power 
• We are a respected and innovative partner in the health and education landscape 
• We have achieved economic sustainability to reduce barriers 
• We have implemented transparent and effective systems and processes that are accountable to all stakeholders 
• We infuse equity, access, and justice into the foundations of midwifery education and accreditation.

MEAC New Initiative:

July 15th, 2025

MEAC Announces the Launch of the Midwifery Education Expansion Project          

The Midwifery Education Accreditation Council (MEAC) is proud to announce the launch of the Midwifery Education Expansion Project, a bold new initiative to increase access to accredited midwifery education in regions historically underserved by maternity care providers.

This strategic effort is designed to address the growing maternal health crisis by expanding the pipeline of Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) through the development of new MEAC-accredited programs in areas with limited birth options, with a focus initially on the U.S. South.

Through this project, MEAC will:

• Prioritize partnerships in Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama because of their high maternal mortality rates and low access to certified professional midwives.
• Initiate conversations with public and private colleges, universities, and organizations about starting a certified professional midwifery program in the targeted states.
• Collaborate with educational institutions/organizations and stakeholders to support the creation of new midwifery programs.
• Assist institutions and organizations navigating the accreditation process.
• Advance our mission of ensuring excellence in midwifery education nationwide.

“Expanding access to accredited midwifery programs is not just about increasing numbers, it’s about improving outcomes,” said Shirdell Mattox, Executive Director of MEAC. “By building capacity in the regions that need it most, we are working to ensure that every family, regardless of zip code, has access to skilled, community-rooted midwifery care.”

The Midwifery Education Expansion Project reflects MEAC’s commitment to workforce development, maternal health equity, and innovation in education. This new initiative is part of MEAC’s multi-year strategic plan and aligns with national goals to broaden and strengthen the maternity care workforce.

To learn more about the Midwifery Education Expansion Project or inquire about partnership opportunities, please contact us at info@meacschools.org. Together, we are investing in the future of midwifery and the health of our communities.