WA CNMs and a staff member from Senator Cantwell’s office	Pictured: ACNM Members meet with Rep. Ed Towns (D-NY), sponsor of legislation before Congress to address the reimbursement inequity for CNMs under the Medicare program (2008)

The American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) and its Government Affairs Committee encourage all certified nurse-midwives/certified midwives to participate in National Midwifery Advocacy Month.  This is an opportunity for midwives to join together in educating members of Congress on the federal issues of concern to the midwifery profession. 

The month of August is typically a time when Congress is out of session.  It is a time for Representative and Senators to be back in their home state meeting with constituents.  ACNM wants to utilize its most valuable resource - ITS MEMBERS - to educate members of Congress on the challenges that face the practice of midwifery and what can be done to address them.  We need all midwives to participate during the month of August in meetings with their elected Representatives and Senators while they are at home in your state.

How to Participate

• Invite Your Legislator to Your Practice

A successful practice visit is truly a coordinated effort that involves you and your practice colleagues, your legislator and his or her staff, and your patients.  It may seem like a lot of work, but the good news is that everyone in this process has a strong personal interest in making it an enjoyable and productive event.  Learn more about planning your practice visit.

• Schedule a Meeting with Your Legislator

To participate, please contact your Chapter Chair or Chapter Legislative Contact (CLC) (for members only) to indicate your interest in scheduling a meeting.  These individuals will take charge of scheduling meetings with the offices of as many Representative and Senators from your state as possible.   Also, please see the Tips for Meeting with Your Elected Official.  Don't forget to complete the reporting form and return to ACNM.

If you have questions regarding ACNM's National Midwifery Advocacy Month, please contact Monica Greenfield in Professional Practice & Health Policy, via email or at (240) 485-1844.
 

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