In a significant legal challenge aimed at reforming maternal care in the state, several midwives, alongside advocacy groups, have filed a lawsuit against Georgia, targeting some of the nation’s most restrictive laws governing midwifery practice. The legal action, announced in front of the Georgia state Capitol, seeks to dismantle regulations that critics argue unduly limit the ability of qualified midwives to practice, thereby exacerbating an already critical maternal health crisis in the Peach State and across the United States. The lawsuit, formally filed as Amani v. State of Georgia, comes on the heels of the Georgia legislature’s failure to pass House Bill 520, a proposed bill that would have significantly decriminalized and modernized midwifery practice within the state. The timing of the announcement, coinciding with the final day of the legislative session, underscores the urgency and frustration felt by those advocating for greater access to midwifery care. At the heart of the legal challenge are several key restrictions imposed by Georgia law. These include prohibitions against midwives with expertise in home and birth center births practicing within the state, and limitations preventing certified nurse midwives (CNMs) from practicing to the full extent of their advanced training and expertise. These legislative hurdles, proponents of the lawsuit argue, not only hinder qualified healthcare providers but also directly contribute to the growing disparities in maternal health outcomes, particularly for Black women and those in underserved rural areas. The Maternal Health Crisis in Georgia and Beyond The United States is grappling with an unprecedented maternal health crisis, marked by alarmingly high rates of maternal mortality compared to other high-income nations. This crisis disproportionately impacts Black women, who face significantly higher risks of death or severe complications during pregnancy and childbirth. The situation is further compounded by a shrinking landscape of maternity care providers. Across the country, numerous hospitals are closing their labor and delivery units, and freestanding birth centers are ceasing operations, creating vast "maternity care deserts" where pregnant individuals have limited or no access to essential obstetric services. It is estimated that over one-third of U.S. counties are currently classified as such deserts, lacking any birthing facility or obstetric clinician. Georgia’s maternal health statistics are particularly concerning, mirroring the national trends. The state has consistently ranked poorly in maternal mortality rates. The closure of Georgia’s oldest freestanding birth center in February of this year, leaving only three operational across the entire state, serves as a stark illustration of the crumbling infrastructure for maternity care. Furthermore, as of August 2025, a mere 36% of Georgia’s rural hospitals were still providing labor and delivery services, leaving many expectant mothers with few, if any, local options. The Evidence Supporting Midwifery Care A growing body of research highlights the critical role midwives play in improving maternal and infant health outcomes. Studies consistently demonstrate that individuals receiving care from midwives experience lower rates of interventions such as Cesarean sections, episiotomies, epidural anesthesia, and induced labor. These interventions, while sometimes medically necessary, are associated with increased costs and potential health complications. Importantly, the benefits of midwifery care are especially pronounced for marginalized populations, including people of color and those with lower incomes, who often face systemic barriers to accessing quality healthcare. Midwives are trained to provide comprehensive, personalized care that emphasizes patient autonomy, informed consent, and evidence-based practices. They are adept at identifying and managing low-risk pregnancies while also recognizing when a higher level of care, such as that provided by an obstetrician, is necessary. This collaborative approach, when legally permitted, allows for a more efficient and effective allocation of healthcare resources. A Wave of Legal Challenges Against Midwifery Restrictions The lawsuit in Georgia is not an isolated incident. It is part of a broader national movement to challenge outdated and restrictive laws that impede midwifery practice. Similar legal battles have been initiated in states such as Mississippi, Nebraska, and Alabama, all aiming to strike down regulations that limit the scope of practice for midwives and birth centers. In a significant development in October, certified nurse midwives in North Carolina are no longer required to enter into restrictive collaborative agreements with physicians, a move that broadens their independent practice authority. This shift reflects a growing recognition across the country that midwives are vital healthcare professionals who can operate effectively and safely within their scope of practice. Furthermore, a lawsuit filed by the Center for Reproductive Rights in 2024 successfully challenged Hawaii’s restrictions on traditional and apprenticeship-trained midwives. This legal victory led to expanded access to midwifery care in the state, offering a precedent for similar efforts elsewhere. Voices from the Front Lines: Plaintiffs and Attorneys Speak Out The plaintiffs in the Amani v. State of Georgia lawsuit have shared powerful testimonies about the impact of these restrictive laws on their ability to serve communities in need. Jamarah Amani, a Florida-licensed midwife and co-founder of the National Black Midwives Alliance, expressed her deep frustration. "It should not be illegal to give birth at home with a midwife," Amani stated. "Every pregnant person should be able to choose where they give birth and with whom." Amani’s own experience with a distressing birth in Georgia, where she felt her autonomy was not respected, inspired her to pursue midwifery. She trained in the traditional methods of "grand midwives" who have served Georgia for generations. However, due to the state’s restrictive laws, she was compelled to move to Florida to obtain her license and establish her career. "We’re bringing this case to get rid of these oppressive laws so I can serve families in Georgia, too," she added. Tamara Taitt, a Florida-licensed midwife and executive director of the Atlanta Birth Center, highlighted the direct link between the state’s laws and its maternity care crisis. "Georgia has a maternity care crisis, and the state continues to squander a workforce that could help change that," Taitt asserted. She noted that despite the critical shortage of maternal health providers in Georgia, the state’s laws prevent her from practicing midwifery at the Atlanta Birth Center, where she works. "The solution is more midwives, and lawmakers need to let us practice," she urged. Taitt pointed to the global trend of increasing midwifery services as a proven strategy to combat rising maternal mortality and morbidity rates, criticizing the U.S. and Georgia for failing expectant mothers, especially Black women, rural families, and communities of color. Sarah Stokely, a certified nurse midwife (CNM) residing in Georgia, currently practices at a home birth practice in Tennessee because she is unable to do so legally in her home state. "As a Georgia native, I want to use my midwifery license and skills to help families in my own state," Stokely explained. "But because of Georgia laws, I have to drive to Tennessee to practice my profession. In Georgia, I would need to pay a physician an insurmountable fee to babysit me." She described how many of her clients seek out midwifery care after experiencing traumatic hospital births, often involving forced procedures. "Our current medical system is not meeting the needs of pregnant people, and they deserve options," Stokely emphasized. "Midwives prioritize providing more personalized care and listening to the needs of our clients. We also know when to pull in a physician if certain risks arise." Nancy Northup, president of the Center for Reproductive Rights, underscored the critical role of midwives in addressing the maternal health crisis. "We cannot solve the maternal health crisis without midwives—they are a key part of the solution in Georgia and nationwide," Northup stated. "Yet under Georgia law, midwives are treated like criminals. These extreme restrictions are exacerbating the maternity care crisis and infringing on the rights of pregnant women who want to give birth with midwives." Northup concluded, "We are suing the state because pregnant people should have the autonomy to decide who they give birth with, and taking away options while there is a glaring lack of providers is senseless. We must break down these legal barriers to improve maternal health care in this country." Legal Representation and Future Implications The lawsuit was filed by a coalition of legal organizations, including the Center for Reproductive Rights, Covington & Burling LLP, and Mitchell Shapiro Greenamyre & Funt LLP, on behalf of plaintiffs Jamarah Amani, LM; Tamara Taitt, MS, LMFT, LM; and Sarah Stokely, CNM. The implications of this lawsuit extend far beyond Georgia. A favorable ruling could set a precedent for other states with similar restrictive midwifery laws, potentially unlocking access to vital maternal healthcare services for millions of people. Conversely, a loss could further entrench barriers to care, exacerbating existing health disparities. The case is expected to bring significant attention to the urgent need for legislative reform that recognizes and supports the invaluable contributions of midwives to maternal and child health. The outcome will likely influence the national conversation on reproductive healthcare access and the fundamental right of individuals to make informed choices about their pregnancies and births. Media Contact: [email protected] Post navigation Department of Health and Human Services Launches Investigations into Thirteen States Over Abortion Coverage Mandates
