MIDWIVES for Service Members Act of 2025

This legislation, titled the "MIDWIVES for Service Members Act of 2025," mandates the Secretary of Defense to initiate a five-year pilot program within one year of enactment. This program will provide services from covered midwives to beneficiaries under the TRICARE program, aiming to enhance maternal and infant care options for military families. Throughout and after the pilot, the Secretary must submit detailed reports to Congress. These reports will include the program's total cost, the number and demographics of beneficiaries served, and an assessment of its effects on quality of care , including maternal and fetal outcomes, preterm births, and C-section rates. The reports will also evaluate patient satisfaction, access to care, and provide recommendations for adjustments or expansion. Upon the pilot program's termination, if deemed successful, the Secretary of Defense is authorized to establish a permanent program to ensure continued availability of midwife services. A "covered midwife" is defined as a certified professional midwife or certified midwife meeting international standards and applicable state credentialing requirements.