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Advocates and clinicians press for midwifery expansion and workforce pipelines
Summary
Presenters and commenters highlighted workforce shortages — midwives, doulas, clinicians who reflect communities — and urged investment in education pathways, loan repayment, and targeted programs to increase representation among Latinas and Black women in maternal health professions.
Multiple presenters and public commenters raised workforce capacity as a core barrier to equitable maternal outcomes. HOPE and midwifery advocates reported low representation of Latinas (10–12% of midwives) and Black women (2–4%) among California midwives, and the California Nurse Midwives Association described proposals for funding and education program expansion.
Speakers recommended a portfolio approach: pipeline supports (mentorship, scholarships, holistic admissions), GME and graduate medical education funding, loan repayment for practice in underserved areas, and state support for new master’s‑level midwifery programs. Karen Stout of the California Nurse Midwives Association noted legislation (AB 836, SB 520) and funding requests to expand midwifery education capacities.
Panelists also connected workforce with access: closures of labor‑and‑delivery units and low Medi‑Cal reimbursement reduce provider supply in rural and low‑volume hospitals, disproportionately affecting the communities discussed in the hearing.
