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Bill

SB 2033

Midwifery; provide for licensure and regulation of.

2025 Regular Session

Mississippi bill would create state licensure framework for midwives but failed to advance from committee, leaving regulatory gaps in maternal healthcare access.

Died In Committee
#publichealthandwelfare
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Bill Summary · SB 2033

Legislative bill overview

SB 2033 would establish a state licensure and regulatory framework for midwives in Mississippi, creating standards for practice, education, and oversight. The bill died in committee on February 4, 2025, without advancing to a floor vote after being referred to the Public Health and Welfare Committee in January.

Why is this important

Midwifery regulation directly affects maternal and infant health outcomes, access to birth services, and consumer protections. Currently, Mississippi has no formal licensure system for midwives, creating a regulatory gap that impacts approximately 1-2% of births nationwide attended by midwives and affects women's choice in birth settings and providers.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of practice boundaries: Determining which medical procedures midwives can perform versus requiring physician referral or oversight creates tension between expanding access and maintaining safety standards
  • Education and training requirements: Setting licensure standards (whether requiring certification from specific midwifery organizations or accepting various training pathways) affects cost, accessibility, and professional turf concerns with physicians and nurse practitioners
  • Home birth safety protocols: Establishing guidelines for out-of-hospital births, backup physician relationships, and emergency transfer procedures balances patient autonomy with liability and medical risk management concerns

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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