Bill advances to update NJ’s 19th-century midwife laws

A Senate panel on Monday advanced a bill to update NJ's 19th-century midwife laws, something supporters say will boost the profession and make birth safer.

By: Lilo H. Stainton

Outlets: New Jersey Monitor

Published: June 9, 2026

Words: 905

Last Updated: 14 hours, 32 minutes ago

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A proposal to modernize New Jersey’s 19th-century midwifery laws and give midwives more say over their work passed a legislative panel Monday, three years after it was first introduced.

The Senate Commerce Committee approved the bill to create a state midwifery board to oversee licensing and credentialing of these professionals with three Democratic votes alone. Sen. Jon Bramnick (R-Union) voted no and Sen. Robert Singer (R-Ocean) abstained.

Sen. Britnee Timberlake (D-Essex), …

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