HB6394, the Midwives for MOMS Act of 2025, would create two federal grant programs aimed at expanding the midwifery workforce and improving access to maternity care. One program would authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to institutions of higher education to support students in accredited midwifery schools or programs, help establish or expand those programs, and increase the number of qualified preceptors for clinical training. The second program would authorize grants to schools of nursing for similar purposes focused on accredited nurse-midwifery programs and clinical preceptors.
The bill directs grant priority toward institutions and nursing schools that recruit and retain students from rural and economically disadvantaged communities and that commit to placing graduates in health professional shortage areas. It also specifies that midwifery grants under the higher-education program may not be used for midwifery schools or programs within a school of nursing, while the nurse-midwifery program is separately housed in Title VIII of the Public Health Service Act. The bill authorizes $15 million for midwifery schools and programs and $20 million for nurse-midwifery programs over fiscal years 2026 through 2030, with set percentage allocations for student support, program expansion, and preceptor development.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would amend the Public Health Service Act to add new federal grant authorities for midwifery and nurse-midwifery education, creating a targeted funding stream for workforce development in maternal health. It would affect institutions of higher education, schools of nursing, accredited midwifery and nurse-midwifery programs, students, and clinical preceptors, while also reinforcing federal priorities around rural access, shortage areas, and recruitment from underserved communities.
Sentiment
The available record suggests generally supportive intent, with the bill framed as a response to maternity care shortages and a way to improve maternal outcomes by expanding training pathways. There are no committee transcripts or recorded votes provided, so there is no documented opposition or amendment debate in the supplied materials. The bill’s structure and funding priorities indicate a policy focus on workforce expansion rather than controversy over eligibility or scope.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the provided materials because there are no hearing transcripts or votes. Potential areas of debate implied by the text include the exclusion of midwifery programs housed within schools of nursing from one grant program, the separate treatment of midwifery and nurse-midwifery education, and the allocation of federal funds across student support, program expansion, and preceptor development. Any disagreement would likely center on program design, institutional eligibility, or whether the funding levels are sufficient to address maternity care shortages.
An act to add Article 7 (commencing with Section 128570) to Chapter 5 of Part 3 of Division 107 of the Health and Safety Code, relating to maternal care and services.