HARRISBURG – The PA Senate approved legislation aimed at strengthening maternal health care. Senate Bill 507, known as the Midwifery Modernization Act, updates the Medical Practice Act of 1985 by modernizing licensure requirements for certified midwives, improving collaboration between midwives and physicians and updating prescription authority – particularly for the treatment of substance use disorders. The bill aims to improve maternal health outcomes, expand provider availability, and increase care options for women. Midwives provide care for women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, as well as newborn care during the first 28 days of life. Many also offer prenatal care, clinical exams, screenings, and patient education. Supporters say expanding midwifery access is about supporting mothers, babies, and families. The measure received bipartisan support and now heads to the PA House.
