The conversation surrounding a national midwifery union is gaining real momentum across social media—sparking both enthusiasm and skepticism. Wherever you fall on the spectrum, one thing is clear: as a profession, we have a great deal to learn, and knowledge is power.
Right now, U.S. midwives lack a unified national voice or collective bargaining power regarding workplace conditions, salary structures, and total compensation. Meanwhile, other advanced practice specialties like Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) have built strong, organized frameworks that support their workforce effectively.
To address our own professional challenges, discovery must be our first step. Opening the door to a discussion about national unionization isn’t an immediate, defined commitment to form one—it is an invitation to gather facts, ask tough questions, and empower our community.
What We Know—and What We Don’t Know Yet
To move from social media debate to meaningful action, we need to answer several key questions:
• Current Representation: How many midwives in the U.S. are currently represented by labor unions?
• Existing Organizations: Which union organizations are actively representing midwives today?
• Real-World Impact: What are the tangible benefits gained—and unique challenges faced—by unionized midwives? Overall, has unionizing proven to be a net positive or negative?
• Industry Insights: What strategies are other healthcare professionals utilizing to organize their collective voice on critical workplace issues?
• Community Strength: What is the true value of growing a connected, unified community of professional voices?
• Research: What is being investigated? A qualitative study conducted by two researchers at UCSF are examining the emergence of unionization among midwives in California and Oregon. It will explore the institutional and policy factors contributing to organizing efforts, describe the processes involved, and assess early impacts on clinicians and health systems. Findings pending. https://osher.ucsf.edu/news/new-study-explore-midwives-unionizing-better-care
Starting an Organized Conversation: Discovery is a fundamental part of solving systemic workplace issues. By opening up a structured dialogue, we can evaluate what works, learn from neighboring healthcare fields, and determine the best path forward for the midwifery profession.
Let’s start an organized conversation!