IL SJR0014

Creates a bipartisan Home Birth Maternity Care Crisis Study Committee with 15 members representing government agencies, legislators, and professional associations (midwives, nurses, hospitals, doctors, pediatricians, lawyers, and consumer groups).

Committee must meet monthly and submit recommendations to the General Assembly by January 1, 2020 on how to address the shortage of licensed home birth providers in Illinois.

Directs the committee to specifically examine the role of Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) in resolving the home birth crisis and to develop a consumer-focused, evidence-based solution.

Notes that Illinois home births increased 50% between 2007-2014, but fewer than 10 licensed nurse-midwife practices remain, causing approximately 50% of home births to occur with no skilled assistance or with unlicensed "underground" midwives.

Affirms that Illinois families deserve access to safe maternity care options including home birth, and that the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation shall provide administrative support to the committee.