| | I am thrilled to announce the third cycle of the Tanya Khemet Taiwo Midwifery Student Scholarship Fund. This scholarship is deeply meaningful to me, and I am honored to see it continue to grow and support future midwives.
Established in 2022, the TKT Midwifery Student Scholarship Fund addresses the urgent need for more Black and Indigenous Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs). Recognizing the |
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| impact of concordant care and the lack of diversity in the midwifery workforce, NACPM is dedicated to removing barriers and creating pathways for Black and Indigenous midwives to enter and sustain their practices. This scholarship embodies that commitment.
I joined the NACPM board in 2012 because I believe in increasing access to midwifery care by advancing the integration of CPMs into the healthcare system where they can serve those who need us, this must include medically underserved communities and those at risk of poor birth outcomes. I have witnessed the significant impact of our collective efforts. However, there is still much work to be done.
As a professor in the Department of Midwifery at Bastyr University, I have seen firsthand the positive effects of midwifery scholarships. The HRSA-funded Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students (SDS) program at Bastyr offers crucial support to students from underrepresented backgrounds, enabling them to pursue midwifery education and serve underserved communities. This program provides up to $40,000 per academic year for eligible students, covering tuition, fees, and living expenses. This historic funding did not come easy, it was due to diligent efforts of NACPM in collaboration with ACNM, NARM, and other midwifery partners that we have the first ever federal funding for midwifery education.
The success of the HRSA SDS program at Bastyr underscores the importance of providing direct support to midwifery students. By financially supporting second and third-year Black and Indigenous midwifery students enrolled in MEAC-accredited programs, the TKT Scholarship Initiative is investing in the future of midwifery and the health of our communities.
This work is important and serves as a call to action. We need a significant overhaul of our healthcare system, with more midwives of color leading the way. The Tanya Khemet Taiwo Scholarship is a step in that direction, but we must continue to advocate for systemic change to ensure all birthing people receive the care they deserve.
Please spread the word about this scholarship and consider making a donation to support this cause. Applications for the 2024 cycle will open on June 17th. For more information visit nacpm.org . |
|  | Tanya Khemet Taiwo, CPM-Ret., MPH, PHD |
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| |  | New members in June will have their entire national membership dues donated directly to Black Mamas Matter Alliance - doubling your impact toward creating equity within midwifery and becoming part of the collective of voices fighting for access and sustainability. |
| |  | NACPM is happy to share news from the 2024 ACNM Business Meeting where a significant motion was presented and passed by ACNM’s membership with 88 votes in favor and 32 against. This motion recommends that the ACNM Board update the Position Statement “Legislation and Regulation that Affect Midwifery Professionals not Certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board.”
The proposed update to the Position Statement aims to ensure that ACNM's affiliate leadership focuses on advocating for CNM and CM credentials while not interfering with other midwifery organizations' efforts to advance legislation affecting their scope of practice, education, and regulation.
This motion seeks to foster unity within the midwifery community and strengthen our collective efforts to address pressing issues such as maternal mortality, racial disparities, and reproductive healthcare rights.
Note: motions passed by the ACNM membership are recommendations made to the ACNM board for discussion and decision-making. |
| |  | Words from NACPM Executive Director, Cassaundra Jah
This month I had the honor of representing NACPM at the inaugural Bipartisan Maternity Care Caucus’ Maternal Health Fair in Washington, DC. The theme, "Maternal Health 360: Uniting Advocacy, Policy, and Industry for Maternal Outcomes," was a call to action for all of us committed to improving maternity care.
I arrived early to support ACNM’s advocacy efforts to modernize healthcare, focusing on removing outdated barriers and increasing access to services provided by advanced practice registered nurses under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. H.R. 2713/S. 2418, the Improving Care and Access to Nurses (ICAN) Act, aims to ensure Medicare and Medicaid patients can access the services they need from their provider of choice.
It was inspiring to hear Jessica Brumley, the incoming ACNM Board President, speak on behalf of CNMs. I also had the opportunity to connect with AABC’s lobbyist, Debbie Jessup, and ACNM's DC advocate, Amy Kohl. Debbie guided me through meetings with staffers for Representatives Alma Adams and Lloyd Doggett, discussing the vital role CPMs play in maternity care and advocating for continued funding to support midwife training and increase diversity in the maternity care workforce.
During the Women's Congressional Policy Institute’s (WCPI) Capitol Hill briefing on reducing maternal mortality, I connected with advocates from Mom’s Congress, laying the groundwork for future collaborations.
The tabling event was a success, with about 20 tables representing various aspects of maternal health. We engaged with staffers and shared the impact midwives have on maternal care, health disparities, and access. Building relationships with leaders from AABC, ACNM, and other organizations strengthened our shared commitment to advancing midwifery.
Reflecting on this experience, I am more convinced than ever of the importance of transparent and open advocacy. My first time doing federal advocacy work was nerve-wracking, but sharing tips and learning from seasoned advocates like Jill Alliman eased my anxiety.
If you’re interested or already engaged in local, state, or federal advocacy work, I’d love to connect. Let's collaborate, share approaches, and create a supportive community of advocates ready to make a difference.
Warmly, |
|  |  |  | Our team at NACPM, including our dedicated Board of Directors and network of allies are ready to volunteer our time to speak at midwifery events. If you have someone specific in mind or are seeking a particular connection, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to support you and your initiatives in any way we can! |
|  |  | We are thrilled to share that Jamarah Amani, LM has been honored with a Women of Vision Award from the Ms. Foundation for Women. This prestigious award, given at the foundation's annual event on May 14th, 2024, celebrates women, girls, and gender-expansive individuals who galvanize communities and drive change. This year’s theme, “Seeding Solidarity & Sisterhood,” emphasizes the importance of unity and interconnectedness in today's divided cultural landscape.
Jamarah Amani, a community midwife and the Executive Director of the Southern Birth Justice Network, has dedicated her life to advocating for birth justice and the rights of marginalized communities. She is a visionary leader who has developed the Birth Justice Framework, the Black Midwives Model of Care, and the Birth Justice Bill of Rights. Her work has been instrumental in tackling issues of racial justice, including the alarming rates of Black maternal and infant morbidity and mortality.
With over 15 years of experience as a birth worker and activist, Jamarah's impact extends nationally and globally. She co-founded the National Black Midwives Alliance and is a founding member of the Queer and Transgender Midwives Association. Her commitment to making midwifery and doula care accessible to marginalized communities is transforming lives and expanding the birth justice movement.
Jamarah’s work aligns with the mission of the Ms. Foundation for Women, which has been a beacon of support for women of color-led movements for over 50 years. The foundation's efforts to create a world where every person's worth and dignity are valued echo Jamarah's dedication to equity and inclusion in maternal health care.
We are inspired by Jamarah’s achievements and her relentless pursuit of justice and equity in midwifery care. Her recognition with the Women of Vision Award is a testament to her outstanding contributions and the vital work she continues to do. We look forward to seeing the continued positive impact of her efforts in building a more just and equitable healthcare system.
Congratulations, Jamarah! Your work inspires us all! |
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Founded and led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA), the Black Maternal Health Conference and Training InstituteTM (BMHC24) is the official, global assembly for Black Maternal health, equity, scholarship, innovation, policy, and advocacy. BMHC24 centers Black people, clinicians, professionals, practitioners, and advocates; and welcomes ALL maternal, perinatal, and reproductive health equity stakeholders who are seeking to develop professionally, learn, and network.
The BMHC24 conference showcases work that operationalizes birth and reproductive justice, respectful maternity care, Black feminists and womanists’ wellness practices, and human rights frameworks across sexual, maternal, perinatal, and reproductive health services, programs, and initiatives. This year’s conference will be hybrid (virtual and in-person) and will offer a global space for learning, rich discussions, and mobilization to transform Black Maternal Health, rights, and justice. The BMHC24 theme is “Our Bodies STILL Belong to Us: Reproductive Justice NOW!” This theme will be showcased through the content offered during the conference with topics focused on addressing systemic inequities in Black maternal health and amplifying the work, studies, policies, research, and initiatives happening in communities and across health systems that are working towards equitable change. |
| |  | Seeking People Who Can Share their Recent Childbearing Experiences Did you recently have a baby? Are you interested in sharing your experience to help improve maternal and infant care for people like you? The National Partnership for Women & Families, a non-profit organization that works to improve the lives of women and families, is carrying out a national Listening to Mothers Survey.
The landmark national Listening to Mothers surveys capture the views of those who care most about maternity issues: mothers themselves.
Since 2002, Listening to Mothers (LTM) has provided concrete, quantifiable information about pregnancy, childbirth, the postpartum period, and infancy. Fielded three times nationally and once in California, this widely cited and influential survey captures otherwise unavailable information. Each survey has broken new ground in understanding childbearing people’s views and experiences. |
| |  |  | Photo credit Remembering Reciprocity |
| On May 7th, 2024, North Carolina Association of Certified Professional Midwives (NCACPM) and their sister organization, NC for CPMs, hosted a Midwifery Advocacy Day and Rally in Raleigh, North Carolina to celebrate community birth and midwives, and advocate for the licensure and integration of CPMs into NC's perinatal healthcare system.
Speakers included: Nicole Havelka, CPM, NC ACPM President Rebecca Bagley, DNP, CNM, FACNM Program Director, ECU Midwifery Education Program Senator Jim Burgin, 2023 Accessing Midwives Act Bill Sponsor and continued supporter of CPM legislation Sarah May, CPM, NC ACPM Board member, MPH student Tinah Braimah, CNM, CPM, founder and Executive Director of Aya Birth and Community Wellness
It was a small but mighty gathering of powerful voices calling for change! If you would like to support the efforts for CPM licensure in North Carolina, please follow them on social media @Ncforcpms and check out the website ncforcpms.org. |
|  | NACPM is happy to announce the formation of chapters in Hawaii and Louisiana. To learn more about starting a chapter please visit our chapter page and email Nasima at chapters@nacpm.org for more information. |
|  | We are excited about the incredible work midwives are doing across the country. To celebrate and showcase the impactful initiatives happening in each state, we would like to highlight your individual and Chapter achievements, challenges, legislative efforts, fundraising activities, and more in our newsletter , on our website and on our social media platforms. Use the form linked below to let us know any news worth sharing! |
| |  | We’re asking every member to consider a $10 donation for every birth they attend in 2024. Imagine the impact, if every one of their clients also donated $10 to support their midwife’s profession! Help make this campaign a success by making a donation today. |
| | Each Newsletter features exclusive merchandise, perfect for personal use or thoughtful gifts for your clients. Your purchases contribute directly to our Bigger Table Fund Initiative, enabling us to to help grow a racially, ethnically and socially representative CPM workforce. Join us in making a difference while enjoying quality merchandise that aligns with your passion for midwifery. |
|  | | Support our work: Donate to NACPM |
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| NACPM’s annual goal for fundraising from individual donors and increasing the volume of our collective voice is $100K. In 2024 so far we have raised $29,337.
If everyone receiving this newsletter donated $25 or became a member of NACPM we would reach our goal! |
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