DE HCR157

Urges all Delaware higher education institutions with nursing programs to establish pathways for Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) and Certified Midwife (CM) education.

Requires these educational pathways to be accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME).

Notes that Delaware currently has no ACME-accredited midwifery education programs despite 46 existing in the United States.

Emphasizes that CNMs improve maternal and infant health outcomes, including lower cesarean rates, reduced mortality, and better outcomes for Black maternal health disparities.

Highlights Delaware's disproportionate maternal and infant mortality rates among Black and Hispanic populations that could be addressed through midwifery care access.