As an obstetrician and as chair of the Massachusetts section of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, I applaud the Legislature's passage of the maternal health bill ("Bringing maternal health care into the 21st century," Editorial, Aug. 20). Ob-gyns share the mission of our midwifery colleagues to ensure that pregnant people receive supportive pregnancy care in which patient autonomy is paramount.

Our patients deserve options, both in and out of hospitals, for high-quality obstetric care. Midwifery licensure allows for practice standards and oversight similar to physicians, better communication when hospital transfer is needed, and healthier outcomes for birthing parents and babies. The law would increase doula support, which would decrease caesarean rates, improve health equity, and increase satisfaction with care.