Birth Options Alliance educates the public and decision makers about birth options, and mobilizes birth options activists in order to ensure that local policies and laws favor access to diverse options. Individually, BOA advocates write letters to insurance companies, respond to media coverage, write blogs, connect to national advocacy, and email legislators. At strategic moments, BOA also catalyzes joint action, particularly around local laws and policies. 

For example, BOA advocates were instrumental in gaining passage of Maryland's HB 1407 in 2010: The Birth Options Preservation Study. Championed by American College of Nurse Midwives and state legislator Heather Mizeur, this legislation resulted in a critical change in how Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) can practice. The study resulted in a decision that CNMs no longer need to have their practice agreement signed by a doctor, a significant barrier to practice for many CNMs. BOA advocates testified in Annapolis, wrote letters to and visited state delegates, and reached out to the media in support of this change. Despite significant opposition from some doctors' groups, BOA and our allies won the day. This win has provided inspiration to advocates in other states burdened with similar barriers to practice.  

For more details about the passage of HB 1407, or to get involved in BOA's current advocacy efforts, email info@birthoptionsalliance.org

Listed below are national and local efforts to help expand and protect birth options:

Petition to Legalize Certified Professional Midwives (CPM's) in the State of Maryland
Save Homebirth with Evelyn in Maryland
The Maternal Health Accountability Act HR 894
The MAMA Campaign for federal recognition of CPMs
The Big Push
Maryland Friends of Midwives
Seasons of Life Birth and Women's Health Center in Takoma Park- and join their facebook page