ANA\California SUPPORTS AB 836 (Stefani): Midwifery Workforce Training Act

AB_836_Asm_Approps_Support_Apr2025.pdf

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The Honorable Buffy Wicks 

Chair, Assembly Appropriations Committee  

1020 N Str., Suite 390 

Sacramento, CA 95814 

RE: AB 836 (Stefani) Midwifery Workforce Training Act – SUPPORT  

Dear Assemblymember Wicks, 

On behalf of the American Nurses Association\California (ANA\C), we are proud to support AB 836  (Stefani). ANA\C is a bi-partisan professional nursing organization representing the interests of more than 500,000 licensed registered nurses in California. Our mission is to optimize nursing contribution to the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. As a state-level professional advocacy organization, ANA\C has been extensively involved in legislative efforts supporting many bills that became  California’s laws and are currently assisting in making California a place of Nursing Excellence.  

AB 836 (Stefani) proposes a landscape analysis to assess barriers to education program growth and identify possible solutions. The landscape analysis would include an evaluation of the current state and trends in midwifery education in California and in the U.S., identify pathways to expansion of midwifery education and financial sustainability, identify programs to diversify the midwife pipeline, chart options for training in rural and urban areas, and evaluate interprofessional education with other members of the maternity care team (such as physician residents). Between 2014 to 2024, more than 50 maternity units closed throughout the state. Midwifery care has demonstrated excellent clinical outcomes, but they are underutilized and can be mobilized to help address provider shortages. 

When midwives are integrated into health systems, we find more positive health outcomes, including spontaneous vaginal birth, labor after Cesarean (TOLAC), vaginal birth after Cesarean (VBAC), breastfeeding, patient confidence and control, patient-centered care, and lower costs. California currently only has only one nurse-midwifery program accepting students: the California State University  Fullerton master’s degree in nurse-midwifery. There are currently no licensed midwife programs in  California. To fill the state’s needs, midwifery education should aim to serve parts of the state with the most significant provider shortages and maternity care needs. Midwifery education programs are required to meet high quality standards and can successfully prepare the midwife workforce in California. 

AB 836 (Stefani) would ensure that potential solutions for midwifery education meet the needs of birthing families and create a pipeline of future midwives. For these reasons, ANA\C is proud to support  AB 836.  

Respectfully,  

Dr. Marketa Houskova, DNP, MAIA, BA, RN  

Chief Executive Officer