Carbondale Reporter

State Sen. Terri Bryant’s (R-Murphysboro) legislation that sets standards for midwives to obtain their certification was signed on Dec. 14 by Gov. J.B. Pritzker. 

The Licensed Certified Professional Midwife Practice Act, or SB 3401, sets standards for the qualifications, education, training, and experience of those who seek to obtain licensure as a licensed certified professional midwife.

“The signing of this legislation into law is a momentous victory for the midwives of our state,” Bryant said on Facebook. “For decades, they have been fighting to have their profession receive the official recognition that it rightfully deserves. This newly created certification process will ensure that they can safely continue their work for any mother who wish to use their services and deliver out of a hospital.”

According to Bryant’s website, to be licensed as a midwife, the individuals must hold and maintain a valid Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) certification granted by North American Registry of Midwives (NARM). Additionally, the bill requires completion of a postsecondary midwifery education program, which must be accredited by the Midwife Education and  Accreditation Council (MEAC). A midwife accredited by NARM who has not completed a MEAC program can still obtain licensure if they have practiced as a CPM for more than three years and obtain other certifications.

Bryant’s website reports that the new law will take effect Oct. 1, 2022.