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Creates two HHS competitive grant programs to expand the midwifery workforce by funding education, student support, and clinical preceptor development from FY2025–FY2029. One grant stream targets accredited midwifery schools or programs at institutions of higher education; a separate stream funds accredited nurse‑midwifery programs run by schools of nursing. Grants must be competitively awarded and give special consideration to programs that prioritize training clinicians who will practice in Health Professional Shortage Areas and that increase racial and ethnic minority representation. Total authorized funding is $15 million for the midwifery program and $20 million for the nurse‑midwifery program, with each program required to allocate 50% of funds to direct student support, 25% to program establishment/expansion, and 25% to preceptor support each year.
The bill directs targeted financial support and training expansion to grow the midwifery workforce and improve maternal care access and equity in underserved areas, but funding is modest and the programs impose eligibility and allocation rules that limit flexibility and leave some programs and applicants excluded.
Students in accredited midwifery and nurse‑midwifery programs receive direct grants or tuition support, lowering education costs and debt burdens for those training to become midwives.
Women and families in underserved and rural areas gain improved access to maternal care as the bill increases the number of trained midwives and nurse‑midwives entering the workforce.
Clinical training capacity is expanded by funding additional training sites and paying preceptors, which speeds practical training and licensure for midwifery students.
Total authorized funding across the programs is modest (combined about $35 million over five years), likely limiting the number of students, training sites, and preceptors that can be supported nationally.
Mandated allocation percentages (the 50/25/25 breakdown) reduce HHS and program flexibility to shift funds in response to local demand, unexpected costs, or changing workforce needs.
The bill excludes midwifery programs housed within schools of nursing from eligibility (for one program), which may unfairly limit options for students and penalize integrated training models.
Introduced May 5, 2025 by Ben Ray Luján · Last progress May 5, 2025