SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Lakesia Collins championed a law that will improve birth care in maternal health deserts by giving certified nurse midwives more independence and greater flexibility to practice in underserved areas.

“This law gives Illinois nurse midwives more flexibility and opportunities to collaborate and deliver care,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “We are modernizing the rules for providers to give residents greater access to care and assistance in our communities.”

Previously, certified nurse midwives were required to collaborate formally with a physician to practice at full scope, which created a barrier as more than one-third of Illinois counties lack sufficient maternity care. Under Collins’ law, House Bill 2688, CNMs are now able to provide out-of-hospital birth services at licensed birth centers without the need for a formal collaboration agreement, as long as they have permission from the birth center’s clinical director.

The law also allows physicians who do not provide home birthing services to collaborate with a CNM who does, which will assist in rural and underserved areas where there are limited birth care options for thousands of women. Further, Collins’ law protects access to this care by ensuring collaborative agreements do not prohibit a CNM from providing home birthing services.

“As a parent, I know how vital it is for new moms to be able to access the care they need,” said Collins. “This law will expand birth care options and allow CNMs to have a wider range of practice, which will continue our fight to break down barriers facing mothers across Illinois.”

House Bill 2688 took effect Jan. 1, 2026.

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