House Bill 4553 Threatens Midwifery Care in Texas – Here’s What You Need to Know
Overview of HB 4553
Texas House Bill 4553, introduced on March 12, 2025, by Representative Claudia Ordaz Perez, is currently under consideration in the Texas House of Representatives. The bill has been referred to the House Public Health Committee for review. LegiScan+1trackbill.com+1
Purpose of the Bill
HB 4553 aims to mandate the reporting of birth outcomes by licensed midwives in Texas. While the bill is presented as a measure to enhance data collection on birth outcomes, concerns have been raised about its potential to overregulate midwifery practice and infringe on patient privacy.FastDemocracy+2LegiScan+2trackbill.com+2
Potential Impacts on Midwifery Care
Midwifery advocates, including the Association of Texas Midwives, have expressed several concerns regarding HB 4553:
1. Redundant Reporting Requirements
Licensed midwives in Texas already adhere to stringent reporting standards. The additional reporting mandated by HB 4553 may duplicate existing requirements, leading to unnecessary administrative burdens without clear benefits.FastDemocracy+2trackbill.com+2LegiScan+2
2. Privacy Concerns
The bill's provisions could necessitate the collection and submission of sensitive patient information, raising concerns about the confidentiality and security of personal health data.
3. Medicalization of Midwifery
By imposing regulations that align more closely with medical models of care, HB 4553 may inadvertently undermine the holistic and individualized approach that is central to midwifery practice.
4. Erosion of Informed Choice
Increased regulatory oversight might limit the autonomy of midwives and the choices available to birthing families, potentially restricting access to preferred models of care.
What You Can Do Today
Make your voice heard before the hearing on Monday, April 28.
Here's how:
1. Call the Public Health Committee – urge them to oppose HB 4553.
Phone: 512-463-0806
2. Contact Chairman VanDeaver directly – tell him to withdraw his support.
Email: gary.vandeaver@house.texas.gov
Phone: 512-463-0692
Call Script:
”Hi my name is [insert name], and I’m calling to urge you to oppose House Bill 4553. This bill threatens the future of midwifery care in Texas by adding unnecessary regulation and undermining family choice in birth. Please Vote NO on HB 4553”
Email Script:
Subject: Oppose HB 4553 – Protect Midwifery from over regulation and medicalization. Protect Family Choice
Dear Chairman VanDeaver,
I am a [licensed midwife/client/family member/supporter] writing to strongly oppose House Bill 4553, scheduled for hearing on Monday, April 28. This bill, though presented as a neutral data reporting proposal, contains harmful and confusing language that would result in over regulation, redundant statistics collection, the medicalization of and the erosion of midwifery care in Texas.
Texas midwives are already held to high standards of safety and accountability. This bill duplicates existing reporting, imposes burdensome new rules, threatens privacy, and undermines informed choice in birth.
I respectfully urge you to oppose HB 4553 and support true solutions that protect safe birthing options across our state.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
Stay Informed and Engaged
For ongoing updates and resources related to HB 4553 and other legislative matters affecting midwifery in Texas, visit the Association of Texas Midwives' legislative page: Association of Texas Midwives
