SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A plan awaiting final action from Gov. JB Pritzker could address maternal healthcare deserts by empowering certified nurse midwives.

The proposal could allow midwives to provide home birth services if they have a written collaborative agreement with local doctors or other healthcare providers.

Advanced practice registered nurses certified as midwives would also have the ability to provide out of hospital births if they have been granted clinical privileges from a birth center.

"In a healthcare provider shortage area or maternal care desert, a certified midwife can collaborate with a full practice authority," said Rep. Yolanda Morris (D-Chicago).

Representatives Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich), Chris Miller (R-Hindsboro), and Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville) are all cosponsors of the measure.

House Bill 2688 passed unanimously out of the House and received a 57-1 vote in the Senate. 

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