About Us
Purpose
PICBM transforms maternal health through policy, partnership, and purpose. We believe access to community-based midwives and birth settings is not only a matter of choice — it is a matter of life and health. We are committed to building systems that ensure all families receive the perinatal care they need and deserve.
Who We Are
PICBM is a leading national nonprofit organization tackling the maternal health crisis in the U.S., a country where more people are harmed or die in pregnancy and childbirth, especially Black and Indigenous people, than in any other high-income nation. We advance proven solutions: community-based, direct-entry midwifery and community birth settings, from homes to clinics to freestanding birth centers.
What We Do
In a shifting and challenging policy climate, we are building new projects, forging fresh partnerships, and securing new resources to advance our mission of building health and saving lives. Founded by long-time midwifery leader, Mary Lawlor, PICBM supports strategic policy development, provides technical assistance, conducts research, and supports coalition-building, at both the state and federal levels. We partner with advocates, legislators, educators, and funders to drive systemic change that centers midwives, respects community knowledge, saves lives, and supports lifelong wellbeing.
PICBM serves as a trusted policy resource and partner to advocates, legislators, and health leaders across the country. We
Develop and support policy strategies to license midwives, expand birth center access, and improve Medicaid and private payer reimbursement
Provide technical assistance, legislative templates, and policy tools to midwifery advocates and state policymakers
Convene and lead national coalitions to advance community birth as a vital option in maternity care
Educate Congress and federal agencies about the urgent need for midwifery-led care within all health systems
Conduct and translate research to inform policy, fill knowledge gaps, and strengthen advocacy
Develop state and federal initiatives to grow and strengthen the midwifery workforce, including scholarships for direct-entry midwifery students and support for preceptors and programs
This work is not theoretical — it’s urgent. The U.S. faces a maternal health crisis that demands bold, coordinated action. PICBM exists to meet that moment.
Meet the Team
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Mary Lawlor, CPM, MA
FOUNDING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
A long-time midwifery leader and policy strategist, Mary brings decades of experience advancing midwifery integration at state and national levels.
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Joíní James, BS (PH)
PROJECT SUPPORT SPECIALIST
Joíní supports research, communication, and coalition coordination across PICBM initiatives.
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Wendy Gordon, DM, MPH, CPM
WORKFORCE EXPANSION CONSULTANT
Wendy leads efforts to expand and sustain the direct-entry midwifery workforce through grant writing and federal advocacy.