Vermont Lawmakers and Midwives Advocate for Birth Center Access: “Choice of Birth Setting is a Reproductive Right”
, on Apr 18, 2025
Montpelier, VT – Vermont House Democrats, joined by certified nurse-midwives and healthcare advocates, held a press conference yesterday at the Statehouse in support of S.18, a bill that would establish licensure for freestanding birth centers in Vermont.
The legislation aims to create a regulatory framework for freestanding birth centers — community-based healthcare facilities that provide safe, evidence-based care for people with low-risk pregnancies. Birth centers have been shown to reduce medical intervention, improve maternal outcomes, and lower healthcare costs. Despite these proven benefits, Vermont is one of only eight states without any licensed freestanding birth centers.
"Freestanding birth centers are a safe and cost-effective option that give families more choice in how they experience birth," said Laurie Foster, CNM, MS, Legislative Liaison to the Vermont Affiliate of the American College of Nurse-Midwives. "Choice of birth setting is a reproductive right."
Speakers at the press conference included:
Supporters of S.18 stressed that the bill would expand access to maternity care, especially in rural areas where hospital closures and limited provider options have left gaps in service. They urged swift legislative action to ensure Vermonters can access high-quality, community-based birthing options close to home.
# # #
Contact:
Rep. Mary-Katherine Stone
Assistant Majority Leader-External Communications
Vermont House Democrats
mstone@leg.state.vt.us
The legislation aims to create a regulatory framework for freestanding birth centers — community-based healthcare facilities that provide safe, evidence-based care for people with low-risk pregnancies. Birth centers have been shown to reduce medical intervention, improve maternal outcomes, and lower healthcare costs. Despite these proven benefits, Vermont is one of only eight states without any licensed freestanding birth centers.
"Freestanding birth centers are a safe and cost-effective option that give families more choice in how they experience birth," said Laurie Foster, CNM, MS, Legislative Liaison to the Vermont Affiliate of the American College of Nurse-Midwives. "Choice of birth setting is a reproductive right."
Speakers at the press conference included:
- Rep. Alyssa Black, Chair of the House Committee on Healthcare
- Rep. Leslie Goldman, Member of the House Committee on Healthcare
- Laurie Foster, CNM, MS, Legislative Liaison to the Vermont Affiliate of the American College of Nurse-Midwives
- Lindsay Lachant, DNP, CNM, APRN, IBCLC, PMH-C
Supporters of S.18 stressed that the bill would expand access to maternity care, especially in rural areas where hospital closures and limited provider options have left gaps in service. They urged swift legislative action to ensure Vermonters can access high-quality, community-based birthing options close to home.
# # #
Contact:
Rep. Mary-Katherine Stone
Assistant Majority Leader-External Communications
Vermont House Democrats
mstone@leg.state.vt.us