Virginia Intensifies Maternal Mental Health Push
Clinicians and advocates across Virginia are ramping up efforts to improve maternal mental health care before, during, and after pregnancy. The initiative focuses on collaborative models that integrate medical, behavioral, and community support services for families.
A recent Virginia law that took effect in July 2025 now allows Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) with 1,000 hours of supervised practice to operate without a written practice agreement with a physician. This expansion of practice authority is a significant step toward increasing access to midwifery care across the state. The demand for nurse-midwives in Virginia is projected to grow by 26% through 2032, a rate significantly higher than the average for all occupations. This growth is crucial as approximately 36% of Virginia's counties are considered "maternity care deserts," lacking adequate access to obstetric services. Recent legislation also allows CNMs to serve on 24-hour on-call duty for nursery care, further addressing these shortages. Research indicates that midwife-led care is associated with positive birth outcomes. A retrospective cohort study at a single academic tertiary center found that patients receiving intrapartum care from midwives had significantly lower rates of unplanned cesarean births compared to those cared for by obstetricians. Studies have also linked midwifery care to lower rates of labor induction and augmentation. The Virginia Neonatal Perinatal Collaborative (VNPC) is a key organization advancing evidence-based practices to improve outcomes for mothers and infants. The VNPC focuses on quality improvement initiatives, including efforts to reduce maternal mortality and address substance use during pregnancy. The Virginia Department of Health also provides public data dashboards on maternal and child health indicators to track progress and identify areas of need. Organizations like Postpartum Support Virginia (PSVa) are leveraging technology to expand mental health support, offering virtual peer support groups for new and expectant mothers. Telehealth is also being increasingly used for routine prenatal and postpartum check-ups, specialist consultations, and to connect patients in rural areas with necessary care, a trend supported by recent studies on its effectiveness. The Virginia Affiliate of the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) is actively involved in advocating for the midwifery profession. Their legislative priorities focus on supporting the midwifery workforce and increasing access to care provided by midwives throughout the Commonwealth. Recent legislative wins include ensuring insurance reimbursement parity for different types of licensed midwives.
