Story perspectives

Georgia's Midwifery Laws Challenged Amid Maternal Health Crisis

4/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

Georgia faces a maternal health crisis as restrictive midwifery laws limit access to care, contributing to high maternal mortality and provider shortages.
Recent lawsuits challenge these laws, arguing they violate the state constitution and hinder midwives from practicing.
Plaintiffs include Sarah Stokely, a certified nurse-midwife, who say easing restrictions could improve health outcomes.
The Center for Reproductive Rights supports the lawsuit and argues for autonomous care choices for pregnant individuals.

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Story summary

Georgia faces a maternal health crisis as restrictive midwifery laws limit access to care, contributing to high maternal mortality and provider shortages.
Recent lawsuits challenge these laws, arguing they violate the state constitution and hinder midwives from practicing.
Plaintiffs include Sarah Stokely, a certified nurse-midwife, who say easing restrictions could improve health outcomes.
The Center for Reproductive Rights supports the lawsuit and argues for autonomous care choices for pregnant individuals.