HB 2649 Summary

• Clarifies Hawaii's midwifery licensing law to permit doulas, cultural birth workers, and other pregnancy and birth practitioners to provide maternity care consistent with their traditions, ethnic cultures, and religions.

• Expands the definition of midwifery to include "clinical assessment" and amends exemptions to allow unlicensed birth attendants who were practicing before July 1, 2023 to continue if they comply with disclosure and documentation requirements.

• Adds new exemptions protecting traditional healers of any ethnic culture or religious faith, extended family members providing care, and affirms the right to choose where and with whom a person gives birth.

• Recognizes that maternal mortality disproportionately affects Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Black women, and that cultural factors and access to care are significant in reducing maternal mortality rates.

• Takes effect upon approval.