New Jersey legislation · 2026-2027 Regular Session
New Jersey S2994: Midwifery Licensing Act-creates; modifies regulation of midwifery
Status: Introduced, October 19, 2026
Establishes "Midwifery Licensing Act." *
What the bill says
An Act concerning the oversight of midwives and revising various parts of the statutory law and supplementing Title 45 of the Revised Statutes. 1. (New section) P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill) shall be known and may be cited as the Midwifery Licensing Act. 2. (New section) The Legislature finds and declares that: a. The public interest requires the establishment of a modern regulatory framework for the practice of midwifery in this State. b. Midwives play a vital role in improving maternal and infant health. c. Research has shown that access to midwifery service.
From the committee substitute text, June 8, 2026:
An Act concerning the oversight of midwives and revising various parts of the statutory law and supplementing Title 45 of the Revised Statutes. 1. (New section) P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before the Legislature as this bill) shall be known and may be cited as the Midwifery Licensing Act. 2. (New section) The Legislature finds and declares that: a. The public interest requires the establishment of a modern regulatory framework for the practice of midwifery in this State. b. Midwives play a vital role in improving maternal and infant health. c. Research has shown that access to midwifery services significantly reduces the rate of maternal and infant mortality and morbidity, particularly for vulnerable communities, yet many of the statutory provisions governing the practice of midwifery in the State date back to the late 19th century. d. Midwifery practice continues to be regulated by the State Board of Medical Examiners rather than by an independent midwifery licensing board. e. In light of the expansion of midwifery practice and the urgent need to address New Jerseys unusually high levels of maternal and infant mortality and morbidity, it is necessary to establish a new regulatory framework for the practice of midwifery in this State. 3. (New section) As used in sections 4 through 12 of P.L. , c. (C. ) (pending before …