House passes bill empowering Illinois certified nurse midwives, addressing maternal healthcare deserts

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois House passed a plan Wednesday to allow certified nurse midwives to help address the state's maternal healthcare deserts.

Home birth services could be provided by certified midwives if they have a written collaborative agreement with local doctors or other healthcare providers.

Advanced practice registered nurses certified as midwives would also have the ability to provide out of hospital births if they have been granted clinical privileges from a birth center.

"In a healthcare provider shortage area or maternal care desert, a certified midwife can collaborate with a full practice authority," said Rep. Yolanda Morris (D-Chicago).

Representatives Adam Niemerg (R-Teutopolis), Chris Miller (R-Hindsboro), and Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville) are all co-sponsors of the legislation.

House Bill 2688 passed unanimously out of the House with a group of certified midwives in the House gallery cheering. The bill now moves to the Senate for further consideration.