PURPOSE:
Midwifery-led birth centers (MLBCs) began to take root in the United States in the 1970s, pioneered by midwives who saw the need for a community-based, midwifery-led model of care. The American Association of Birth Centers (AABC) was founded to support and grow this model. Today, more than 400 MLBCs operate nationwide, and this model is recognized within the U.S. healthcare system as a vital component of maternity care. In this presentation, we will explore AABC’s role in establishing and promoting the MLBC model, offering insights for those seeking to build or sustain national birth center organizations.

DISCUSSION:
For over 40 years, AABC has advanced MLBCs through education, policy, regulation, standards, data, and community-building. The results include licensure in over 80% of U.S. states, a national accreditation body, the AABC Perinatal Data Registry™, and increased recognition of MLBCs. Yet, progress has not come without challenges. A liability insurance crisis once shuttered half of all U.S. MLBCs. Ongoing battles for payment parity, midwifery workforce shortages, and the threat of hospital-centric regulations persist. Through these experiences, we have learned to stay grounded in our mission, build strategic alliances, collect and utilize data to demonstrate outcomes, and center the evolving needs of MLBCs and their communities. These lessons are valuable for other countries working to advance midwifery centers in their nations.

EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
The U.S. Department of Health now identifies MLBCs as a core strategy to improve maternal health.

KEY MESSAGE:
A national MLBC organization’s ability to adapt, advocate, and remain united is essential. AABC’s longevity is rooted in five key elements: national standards, education, research, collaboration, and community. These tools continue to guide our work and can support the growth of national MLBC organizations worldwide. Midwife-led centre 2 (Including three-minute presentation competition)