MIDWIVES for Service Members Act of 2025

Bill Number

H.R. 3202

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Armed Forces and National Security

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-05-05: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.

Last Updated

2025-10-01T08:06:04Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The MIDWIVES for Service Members Act of 2025 aims to improve maternity care access for military families by directing the Department of Defense (DoD) to establish a pilot program that integrates certified midwife services into the TRICARE health program. TRICARE is the U.S. military's health care system for active-duty service members, retirees, and their families. The goal is to enhance maternal and infant health outcomes through specialized midwifery care.

Key Provisions

• Pilot Program Implementation: Within one year of the bill's enactment, the Secretary of Defense must launch a five-year pilot to provide services from "covered midwives" to eligible TRICARE beneficiaries. Covered midwives are certified professionals who meet international midwifery standards (set by the International Confederation of Midwives) and comply with state licensing requirements.
• Path to Permanency: If the pilot is deemed successful at its conclusion, the Secretary may issue regulations to create a permanent program for midwife services under TRICARE.
• Reporting Requirements:
• An initial implementation plan must be submitted to the House and Senate Armed Services Committees within 180 days of enactment.
• Annual reports during and for one year after the pilot, covering:
• Total costs and per-beneficiary expenses.
• Number of beneficiaries served, including demographics (e.g., race, ethnicity, age, military branch, rank).
• Assessments of care quality (e.g., maternal/fetal outcomes, preterm/low-weight births, cesarean rates), patient satisfaction, access (e.g., wait times, travel distances), and overall effectiveness.
• Recommendations for adjustments, extensions, or making the program permanent, plus estimated cost savings from improved health outcomes.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• This bill introduces midwife services as a reimbursable benefit under TRICARE, which previously may not have explicitly included or prioritized certified midwives meeting international standards.
• It adds a structured pilot and evaluation framework, including detailed reporting on demographics and outcomes, to existing TRICARE authorities under Title 10 of the U.S. Code (which defines covered beneficiaries like active-duty members and dependents).
• No direct amendments to current law are made; instead, it authorizes new DoD regulations if the pilot succeeds, potentially expanding TRICARE's provider network without immediate statutory overhaul.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: The DoD will face implementation costs for the pilot (e.g., contracting midwives, data collection) but could see long-term savings from better maternal health reducing complications like preterm births. Congressional oversight increases through mandatory reports.
• Citizens (Military Families): Covered beneficiaries, particularly pregnant service members and spouses, gain easier access to midwifery care, potentially improving birth outcomes, satisfaction, and equity in maternity services across diverse demographics.
• International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though referencing international midwifery standards may encourage alignment with global health practices; no foreign policy elements are involved.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Primary: Department of Defense (Secretary and TRICARE administrators) for program execution; covered beneficiaries (active-duty personnel, retirees, and dependents eligible for TRICARE).
• Secondary: Certified midwives (expanded practice opportunities); House and Senate Armed Services Committees (oversight role); military healthcare providers (potential integration with existing services).

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Relies on DoD's authority under federal law to manage TRICARE, with flexibility for regulations post-pilot. Ensures compliance with state licensing to avoid conflicts with professional standards. Demographic reporting in assessments promotes health equity without mandating quotas.
• Constitutional: No apparent issues; supports equal protection in healthcare access for military families under Congress's Article I powers over armed forces and spending.
• Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (introduced by Democrats and Republicans) signals broad support for military family welfare. Could influence future defense budgets by highlighting maternity care gaps, potentially setting precedent for integrating non-traditional providers (e.g., midwives) into federal health programs.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Strickland, Marilyn [D-WA-10]

Cosponsors (6)

Rep. Ciscomani, Juan [R-AZ-6], Rep. Randall, Emily [D-WA-6], Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2], Rep. Moore, Gwen [D-WI-4], Rep. Sykes, Emilia Strong [D-OH-13], Rep. Landsman, Greg [D-OH-1]

Recent Actions

• 2025-05-05: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
• 2025-05-05: Introduced in House
• 2025-05-05: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Maternal and Infant Delivery Wellness and Integration with Vital Expertise Support for Service Members Act of 2025 — issued 2025-05-05 — PDF (5 pages)