Virginia Launched Campaign to Promote Midwifery
A new state education initiative addresses shrinking access to maternity care across rural Virginia counties.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Nursing Jobs
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The Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy has launched an education campaign to promote midwifery services throughout Southwest Virginia. The initiative aims to counter misconceptions about accessibility and affordability in regions facing significant maternity-care shortages.
Why it matters
With a majority of rural counties now classified as maternity-care deserts, the campaign seeks to stabilize birthing options as hospital-based services continue to decline. It provides resources to help residents navigate care alternatives in areas where traditional delivery units have shuttered.
Eighty-five percent of rural Virginia counties are maternity-care deserts, a significant increase compared to the 64% of all state counties facing similar shortages. The program operates with a $1 million federal grant.
The players
Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy
This organization operates the new midwifery campaign and advocates for public policy improvements across the state.
Virginia Rural Health Association
This entity received the $1 million federal grant used to fund the maternity care education initiative.
Orlean Hawks Puckett
She was a historical figure who provided midwife services in Carroll County starting in 1889.
The details
The campaign website features historical insights and personal stories to educate the public on the role of midwives in modern healthcare. This outreach follows recent legislative updates in 2025 regarding practice-agreement requirements for midwives in the state.
Timeline
October 2026: Virginia Interfaith Center launched the midwifery education campaign.
2025: Virginia updated practice-agreement requirements for midwives.
2023: Virginia lawmakers clarified independent practice for midwives.
1889: Orlean Hawks Puckett began providing midwife services.
Market Landscape
The campaign follows recent legislative shifts including the 2025 Virginia practice-agreement requirements for midwives. This move positions midwifery as a critical solution to the competitive contraction of hospital-based maternity units across the Commonwealth.
Residents in Southwest Virginia can access educational resources and information on historical midwifery services through the new website. The campaign aims to help families find reliable maternity care options in areas where traditional hospital services have been reduced.
The takeaway
This initiative serves as a practical resource for families living in underserved regions to understand their local birthing options. By highlighting the history and professionalization of midwifery, the campaign seeks to normalize non-hospital birth choices in maternity-care deserts.
Further reading
Learn more about the state's clinical workforce by visiting the Virginia Nursing Jobs section.
More information
For more information on the campaign, visit the Midwifery education campaign website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cardinal News.
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Should your community increase access to midwives to address local maternity care shortages?
