Pass AB1306 to Help Remedy the California Maternity Care Shortage

9 of 58 counties in California do not have access to an obstetrician. AB 1306 may solve the California maternity health care shortage. Releasing nurse midwives (CNM)s from physician supervision requirements will promote the expansion of midwifery care for thousands of women in urban and rural communities.

Nurse-midwives are experts in normal birth, thus avoiding unnecessary interventions. The safety of CNM care includes fewer cesarean deliveries, fewer episiotomies, and higher rates of breastfeeding. Studies show that CNM-attended births are 25% more likely to avoid cesareans. Reducing cesareans would save the California medical system $80 million to $440 million per year.

California is one of only six remaining states that require physician supervision of overall CNM practice. Evidence shows that physician supervision does not improve patient safety and only reduces healthcare innovation and access. 

AB1306 removes requirements for physician supervision and supports equal collaboration between Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) and obstetricians.

Pass AB1306 to Help Remedy the California Maternity Care Shortage
Improve Access to High Quality, Cost Effective Women’s Healthcare by removing unnecessary restrictions on practice.

Please sign today and share widely!