STATE INITIATIVES

Pennsylvania has become one of NATBR's highest priorities following the passage of SB507. Throughout the legislative process, we worked extensively to advocate for the preservation of traditional midwifery, religious liberty, and informed family choice.

Our efforts included drafting and submitting proposed amendment language on multiple occasions, retaining legal counsel to analyze the bill's statutory and constitutional implications, and meeting directly with legislators—including the bill's prime sponsor—to discuss the legislation's impact on traditional midwives, plain communities, faith-based birth practices, and Pennsylvania families. We also engaged with policymakers, stakeholders, and advocacy organizations throughout the process while educating the public on the far-reaching consequences of the legislation.

Although SB507 was ultimately enacted, our work did not end with its passage. NATBR has continued documenting its effects, supporting affected families and birth workers, and advancing public education through media outreach and legislative advocacy.

As part of this ongoing effort, NATBR is now involved in constitutional litigation challenging the law and the burdens it places on traditional midwifery, religious exercise, and parental rights in Pennsylvania. The lawsuit represents the next phase of our work to protect birth freedom and preserve the longstanding traditions of community-based midwifery.

You can learn more about the Pennsylvania litigation, its legal claims, and the plaintiffs involved on our dedicated lawsuit page.

A formal policy letter and proposed amendment language, grounded in Birth Freedom principles and the protection of traditional midwifery, were submitted to senior executive health officials within the State of Florida.. The framework was received with strong interest and reported enthusiasm at the state executive level, reflecting meaningful openness to language centered on constitutional protections, parental rights, and the preservation of traditional midwifery practice.

The panel brings together midwives, physicians, legal professionals, policy analysts, scholars, and maternal health advocates to ensure that proposed language, strategy, and public positioning are informed by clinical experience, constitutional analysis, and practical realities on the ground. Its purpose is not symbolic endorsement, but substantive review, data evaluation, strategic planning, and broad representation across modalities of maternal care. Participation is voluntary and issue-specific, designed to strengthen the integrity, credibility, and depth of the state initiative while maintaining independent professional judgment among its members. This panel meets weekly.

State initiatives begin when a state leader submits a formal interest form outlining current laws, enforcement issues, and key concerns affecting birth rights. From there, we provide a structured launch template that walks them through identifying relevant statutes, evaluating the legal climate, and choosing an appropriate organizational structure, whether informal coalition or incorporated entity. We assist in forming a state-specific advisory panel, connect leaders with vetted attorneys, lobbyists, media contacts, and aligned freedom-based organizations, and provide strategic guidance for messaging, amendment drafting, and legislative engagement. Each state remains independently led, but is equipped with national-level strategy, infrastructure, and coordination to build a serious, durable movement.

If you would like NATBR to come to your state to speak, organize, or assist in launching a formal state initiative, submit a written request outlining your current legislative climate, key concerns, and desired level of engagement. Speaking engagements, strategic planning sessions, and on-the-ground organizing support are available by request and coordinated based on scope and readiness. Send inquiries to info@natbr.org and request speaking or organizing engagement in the subject line.