This bill seeks to address critical maternity care shortages and promote optimal maternal outcomes across the United States. It authorizes the Secretary to award grants to institutions of higher education for the direct support of students in accredited midwifery schools or programs, the establishment or expansion of such programs, and the development of qualified preceptors for student training. A total of $15,000,000 is authorized for these midwifery-specific grants for fiscal years 2026 through 2030, with specific allocations for student support, program expansion, and preceptor development. In awarding these grants, the Secretary must prioritize institutions that commit to students planning to practice in health professional shortage areas and demonstrate a focus on recruiting and retaining students from rural and economically disadvantaged communities. The bill also establishes a separate Midwifery Expansion Program within schools of nursing, authorizing $20,000,000 for similar grants to support nurse-midwifery students, establish or expand nurse-midwifery programs, and increase preceptors for certified nurse-midwives. This program also includes priority for students intending to serve underserved areas and those from rural and disadvantaged backgrounds, aiming to bolster the overall midwifery workforce.
This bill seeks to address critical maternity care shortages and promote optimal maternal outcomes across the United States. It authorizes the Secretary to award grants to institutions of higher education for the direct support of students in accredited midwifery schools or programs, the establishment or expansion of such programs, and the development of qualified preceptors for student training. A total of $15,000,000 is authorized for these midwifery-specific grants for fiscal years 2026 through 2030, with specific allocations for student support, program expansion, and preceptor development. In awarding these grants, the Secretary must prioritize institutions that commit to students planning to practice in health professional shortage areas and demonstrate a focus on recruiting and retaining students from rural and economically disadvantaged communities. The bill also establishes a separate Midwifery Expansion Program within schools of nursing, authorizing $20,000,000 for similar grants to support nurse-midwifery students, establish or expand nurse-midwifery programs, and increase preceptors for certified nurse-midwives. This program also includes priority for students intending to serve underserved areas and those from rural and disadvantaged backgrounds, aiming to bolster the overall midwifery workforce.