What's Happening?
Kennedy-King College in Englewood, Chicago, has launched Illinois' first certified professional midwife degree program. This initiative aims to train a new generation of midwives and address the state's maternal mortality crisis, particularly among Black
women. The program, approved by the City Colleges of Chicago’s Joint Curriculum Development Council, follows the 2021 Illinois Licensed Certified Professional Midwifery Practice Act, which established a legal pathway for certified professional midwives. Until now, Illinois lacked an accredited in-state program for midwife education and training. The first cohort, comprising 20 students, will begin core midwifery classes in spring 2027 after completing prerequisite courses. U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood, along with Kennedy-King President Katonja Webb Walker and Black Midwifery Collective Executive Director Star August Ali, celebrated the program's launch. Mayor Brandon Johnson declared August 25 as 'Black Midwifery Collective Day in Chicago' to support and advocate for midwives.
Why It's Important?
This new midwife degree program is crucial for addressing significant healthcare disparities in Illinois. A recent report from the Illinois Department of Public Health revealed that Black women are more than twice as likely to die from pregnancy-related conditions and three times as likely to die from pregnancy-related medical complications compared to white women, with over 91% of these deaths being potentially preventable. The program at Kennedy-King College aims to increase the number of certified professional midwives, especially Black midwives and midwives of color, to serve communities on the South Side and beyond. By providing an accessible and equitable pathway to certification, including federal financial aid and support from organizations like the Robert R. McCormick Foundation and The Birth Fund, the program seeks to reduce financial barriers to entry. This initiative is expected to improve maternal health outcomes, particularly for underserved populations, and ensure more dignified, safe, and respectful birth experiences.
What's Next?
The first cohort of 20 students will begin their core midwifery classes in spring 2027, following a semester of prerequisite courses. Applications for the program are currently open and will close in mid-October. Kennedy-King College is transforming a classroom into a state-of-the-art simulation lab, featuring a mock home-birth environment and two exam rooms with simulation equipment, to provide practical training. Graduates will earn national certification and state licensure, enabling them to provide maternity care in homes and birth centers. The program also includes certifications for doulas and lactation consultants. The Robert R. McCormick Foundation will support textbooks, transportation, and a full-time faculty position, while The Birth Fund will provide financial assistance to students in the first academic year. The program is expected to grow beyond its initial 20 students, aiming to significantly increase the number of trained midwives in Illinois.
Beyond the Headlines
The establishment of this program at Kennedy-King College represents a deeper societal shift towards recognizing and addressing systemic inequities in healthcare. The personal experience of Kennedy-King President Katonja Webb Walker, who nearly lost her son during childbirth despite having access to top medical facilities, underscores that maternal health disparities transcend socioeconomic status. This program challenges the traditional medical model by integrating community-focused care and empowering individuals from within the community to become healthcare providers. It also highlights the historical marginalization of midwifery and the efforts to bring this knowledge back to the center of healthcare. By fostering a new generation of midwives, the initiative not only aims to save lives but also to restore trust and cultural competence in maternal care, particularly for Black families who have historically faced discrimination and poorer health outcomes within the medical system.
