House Bill 224, introduced in the Ohio Legislature on April 7, 2025, is set to reshape the landscape of midwifery practices in the state by imposing new reporting requirements aimed at enhancing maternal and neonatal safety. The bill mandates that licensed midwives who attend births outside of hospital settings report any adverse incidents within 15 days, alongside a medical summary, to both the licensed midwifery advisory council and the Ohio perinatal quality collaborative.

Starting July 1, 2027, midwives will also be required to submit annual reports detailing the number of patients served, live births attended, and any cases of fetal or maternal demise. This move is designed to improve oversight and accountability in midwifery, particularly as more families opt for home births or alternative birthing environments.

The bill has sparked significant debate among stakeholders. Proponents argue that these measures will enhance safety and provide critical data to improve midwifery practices. They believe that increased transparency will foster trust in midwifery care, especially as the demand for non-hospital births rises. However, opponents express concerns that the additional reporting requirements may deter midwives from practicing in Ohio, potentially limiting options for families seeking personalized birthing experiences.

The implications of House Bill 224 extend beyond regulatory compliance; they touch on broader social issues surrounding maternal health and the growing trend of home births. Experts suggest that while the bill aims to protect mothers and infants, it must strike a balance to ensure that midwives can continue to provide care without excessive bureaucratic burdens.

As the bill progresses through the legislative process, its potential impact on Ohio's midwifery community and the families they serve remains a focal point of discussion. The outcome could set a precedent for how midwifery is regulated in other states, making this a pivotal moment for maternal health advocacy in Ohio.