Maternal mortality is a big concern within reproductive care. Midwives can play a critical role in improving birth outcomes, improving care experience and equity. Less than 20% of U.S. births currently involve midwives.

Positive birth outcomes in the Unites States trail behind other developed countries, such as France, Japan, and the United Kingdom, likely because of differences in availability of midwives. Midwifery provides a path to delivering high-quality healthcare, with continuous support and guidance across all stages of maternity care.

Implementing midwifery into health systems includes:

• Providing access to community birth centers
• Centering midwives in birth care teams 
• Creating and supporting policies for midwifery