BirthFreedom PA's Commitment to Community-based Midwifery
- Birth Freedom PA
- Aug 5, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 27
BirthFreedomPA supports the continued practice of community-based, direct entry, traditional midwifery
Traditional midwifery has always been a historical part of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania - even before its founding. It is in the public interest to ensure that all providers involved in prenatal, labor & birth, and postpartum care are able to practice to the full extent allowed by their respective training.
Every year, thousands of Pennsylvania families choose community-based midwifery care. In 2024 alone, more than 5,600 families (see linked chart in "other" category) received care from community-based midwives. These families deserve continued access to the provider and birth setting that best meets their individual needs.
BirthFreedomPA seeks to protect the right of individuals to choose their care provider, type of provider, and the location of their birth without unreasonable burdens and barriers.
Midwives provide safe, quality care to families
It is in the public interest to remove unreasonable burdens and barriers so that midwives are able to provide the care and services unique to the practice of midwifery.
Community-based midwives recognize when a higher level of care is needed and routinely consult with and transfer care to physicians and hospitals when appropriate. Strong relationships between community midwives, hospitals, EMS, and other healthcare professionals improve outcomes for mothers and babies.
Giving birth at home or in the location of one’s choosing is part of the history and tradition of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania since before its founding.
Women, together with their families, have the right to choose and direct their maternal healthcare, including the unqualified right to choose where and how to deliver.
It is in the public interest to remove obstacles to safe out-of-hospital deliveries.
Every pregnancy is unique, and no single model of care is right for every family. Protecting access to a variety of qualified maternity care providers allows families to make informed decisions based on their medical needs, personal values, culture, faith, and individual circumstances.