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House approves midwifery bill that replaces 'woman' with gender‑neutral 'individual'; sponsor cites inclusivity
Summary
The House concurred in Senate amendments to a midwifery bill that replaces the word "woman" with the gender‑neutral "individual" in certain definitions, a change sponsors said is meant to reflect current clinical practice and inclusive language guidance.
The House on March 20 concurred in Senate amendments to Senate Bill 854, a health occupations measure that includes revisions related to direct‑entry midwives.
On the floor a member asked why the bill changes statutory references from "patient" with bracketed "woman" to "individual". A sponsor explained the change was intentional to include all people who may be pregnant, noting the American Psychological Association’s guidance on inclusive language. "There are a number of folks on that continuum who do not consider themselves women, but are perfectly capable of having a child," the sponsor said. "So the APA recommends using 'individual' now, to incorporate, to be inclusive and respectful of all gender identities."
Supporters on the floor said they back midwifery practice and that the wording change reflects current clinical and professional norms. One member said she supported midwives from personal experience and noted the change in language was consistent with other revisions in the bill.
Floor action and vote: After brief debate and clarification, the Clerk recorded the vote. The transcript records the announcement: "There being 110 votes in the affirmative"; the bill was declared passed.
Why it matters: The amendment updates statutory language to gender‑neutral terminology in the context of healthcare and midwifery, aligning legal text with the inclusive language used by some professional organizations and providers. The change drew a brief exchange on the floor explaining the rationale and acknowledging differing views on terminology.
Next steps: With concurrence and passage recorded, the bill proceeds to enrollment and transmittal; sponsors and committee staff will carry forward implementation details with relevant licensing agencies.
