Direct-entry midwifery as a profession in the U.S.A. is rapidly gaining recognition in many states, continues to struggle for acceptance in some areas, and remains illegal in a small handful of other states.
Through accreditation, MEAC is working advance the recognition of certified professional midwives in our healthcare system.
Together with our allied midwifery organizations, important work is being done to facilitate this movement towards mainstreaming midwives:
- the national certification process (CPM) was developed and is being managed by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM),
- a professional organization of CPMs: National Association of Certified Professional Midwives (NACPM) was formed to support the education, practice, and advancement of CPMs and inspire and engage them to be an organized force for change to increase access to high quality, high value maternity care for all women,
- the Midwives Alliance of North America (MANA) continues its important work of bringing all midwives together regardless of route of entry into the profession, training, educational background or practice style,
- the National Association to Advance Black Birth (NAABB) works to increase the number of Black midwives, doulas, and healers to empower families, in order to reduce infant and maternal mortality.
- the Association of Midwifery Educators is a non-profit organization committed to strengthening midwifery educators, schools, and administrators through connection, collaboration and coordination.
- Citizens for Midwifery, is a consumer-based grassroots organization providing resources, education, and leading outreach. With the help of Citizens for Midwifery, midwives in many states have written and introduced midwifery licensure bills in their state legislatures.