For Immediate Release

September 10, 2025

Contact: Elisa Rivera

Elisa.Rivera@sen.ca.gov (559) 264-3070

Senator Caballero’s Bill to Train More Nurse-Midwives Heads to Governor’s Desk

(Sacramento, CA) — Senator Anna Caballero (D-Merced) announced that her bill, SB 520, has passed the Legislature and is now on its way to the Governor’s desk. The bill creates the California Nurse-Midwifery Education Fund to help start new master’s degree programs that train nurse-midwives in California.

“Too many families — especially in rural areas and communities of color — can’t get the care they need during pregnancy and childbirth,” said Senator Caballero. “SB 520 will help train more nurse-midwives who can support moms and babies with the care they deserve, close to home.”

Right now, California has only one master’s degree program for nurse-midwifery, at CSU Fullerton. That means many people who want to become nurse-midwives have to leave the state for training — or give up on the career altogether. At the same time, hospitals across the state are closing their labor and delivery units, especially in low-income and rural areas. Many families have to travel long distances just to give birth or get basic pregnancy care.

SB 520 will:

• Create a new state fund to help launch more nurse-midwifery programs in California.
• Use both state and private dollars to support new programs.
• Build a stronger pipeline of nurse-midwives to serve communities that need care the most.

Nurse-midwives are trained professionals who provide respectful, culturally sensitive, and evidence-based care to mothers before, during, and after childbirth. They play are a key role to reduce maternal and infant deaths, especially in communities left behind.

“SB 520 is about making sure every mother has access to care, no matter where she lives or what she earns,” Caballero added. “We can save lives and support healthy families by investing in the people who care for them.”

The bill now heads to the Governor for signature.

For interviews or inquiries, please contact: Elisa Rivera at (559) 264-3070

Senator Anna M. Caballero represents the 14^th Senate District, composed of majority portions of Merced, Fresno and Madera Counties. She is the Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a Member of the Middle Mile Advisory Committee among others.