Californians for the Advancement of Midwifery

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Californians for the Advancement of Midwifery

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Californians for the Advancement of Midwifery wants all families to have the option of a safe, evidence-based, community birth in the setting of their choice.

10/20/2026

We remember Faith Gibson, a pioneering California licensed midwife, educator, and tireless advocate for community-based midwifery, who died peacefully at home on October 10, 2026, surrounded by those closest to her.

Faith was instrumental in the passage of California’s Licensed Midwifery Practice Act in 1993 and devoted decades to advancing the recognition and practice of licensed midwives. Through legislative advocacy, testimony, professional leadership, and extensive writing, she helped preserve and expand access to community midwifery across California.

Her work brought together historical scholarship, clinical experience, and a deep commitment to maternal autonomy and evidence-based care. Her legacy lives on in the midwives she supported, the families she served, and the work that continues toward ensuring people can choose where and with whom they give birth.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Faith’s children, grandchildren, siblings, and all who loved her.

For those who would like to explore Faith’s writings and lifelong advocacy for community midwifery, her work can be found at:

faithgibson.org
ca-lm.org
californiacollegeofmidwives.org

10/15/2026

Los Angeles and San Francisco, we’ve got something special coming your way.

We’re bringing Allowed to Birth: The Journey of a Global Midwife to both cities this fall, and in LA, we’re pairing it with Deliver Us for a special double-feature screening.

These are two very different films, but both open up important conversations about birth, the people who care for us, and what’s possible when we imagine doing things differently.

And we don’t want the conversation to end when the credits roll.

We’ll be gathering with filmmakers, thought leaders, and community members to watch, reflect, ask questions, and connect over something that touches all of us: how we enter the world.

Even better? It’s for a great cause. For over four decades, Californians for the Advancement of Midwifery (CAM) has been working to advance midwifery across California. These benefit screenings are a chance to celebrate how far we’ve come, bring new voices into the conversation, and help shape what comes next.

Here’s where to join us:

LOS ANGELES · November 19
Allowed to Birth + Deliver Us
The Culver Theater, Culver City
Tickets available now!

SAN FRANCISCO · December 2
Allowed to Birth
BATS Bayfront Theater
Tickets coming soon!

You don’t have to be a midwife or work in maternal health to be part of this conversation. Bring a friend, come curious, and let’s see where these stories take us.

LA tickets at the link in our bio. We can’t wait to see you there.

10/12/2026

Last call! Applications close October 12!

The 2026 Biddy Mason Scholarship & Financial Aid Fund supports the next generation of Black licensed midwives in California by reducing financial barriers to education, licensure, and establishing a practice.

Sponsored by Californians for the Advancement of Midwifery (CAM) and administered by Birthland Wellness Fund, this year’s funding opportunities include:

• Midwifery student scholarships
• Licensing fee grants
• Practice start-up grants

Who can apply? Black-identified midwifery students and newly licensed midwives in California.

Know someone who could benefit? Please share this opportunity!

Applications close October 12, 2026. Find eligibility details and the application through the link in our bio.

10/11/2026

At CAM and CALM, we know that meaningful choice depends on a thriving midwifery profession. That’s why we’re committed to supporting the midwives who make community birth possible, growing the next generation of midwives, and expanding access for California families.

To the midwives doing this work: we see you, we celebrate you, and we stand with you.

And to everyone who believes families deserve more choices in birth: stand with us. There’s more ahead.

10/02/2026

Please share this opportunity with your community.

The Biddy Mason scholarship is one way we’re working toward the diversity of California’s midwives being representative of the diversity of California’s families.

Links to the scholarship FAQ and application in the bios at CAM | Californians for the Advancement of Midwifery and Birthland.

Application deadline: October 12, 2026

08/31/2026

Calling California’s Black midwives and midwifery students!

Applications are now open for the 2026 Bridget “Biddy” Mason Scholarship & Financial Aid Fund, sponsored by Californians for the Advancement of Midwifery (CAM) and administered by the Birthland Wellness Fund.

The Fund helps reduce financial barriers along the journey from education to practice, with support including an educational scholarship, licensing fee assistance, and practice start-up capital.

If you’re a Black midwifery student, newly graduated midwife, or newly licensed midwife committed to serving California families, we invite you to learn more.

Before applying, please review the Scholarship FAQ for eligibility, available funding, and application guidance.

Find the “2026 Biddy Mason Fund: FAQ + Apply” link in the Instagram bio at CAM | Californians for the Advancement of Midwifery. The FAQ page will direct you to the application when you’re ready.

Applications close October 12, 2026.

Please share with a midwife or student who should know about this opportunity.

MidwiferyEducation

08/30/2026

California’s next generation of midwives will learn from those already doing the work.

CAM is proud to support the development of Cerro Coso Community College’s Licensed Midwifery Program—an important step toward expanding the pipeline of community midwives in California.

Cerro Coso is now recruiting adjunct faculty preceptors. Clinical experience counts toward qualifications, and there are pathways for experienced midwives who do not hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

Interested—or know someone who might be? Please share.

Review the official job posting for complete qualifications and application details at the link in our Instagram bio.

07/24/2026

This work has always been carried from one generation to the next.

By those who protected it. By those who practiced it. By those who believed every family deserves choice, dignity, and compassionate care.

We carry that work forward; supporting midwives, welcoming the next generation into the profession, and helping make community midwifery more accessible for every California family.

The next chapter begins here.
CAM | Californians for the Advancement of Midwifery

03/09/2026

Across centuries and cultures, women have guided women through birth.

This ancient marble relief from Ostia Antica, Italy (c. 400 BCE) reflects a long tradition of midwifery, with knowledge, care, and community shared across generations.

On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the generations of midwives who have supported women and families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. We also honor the midwives continuing this vital work today.

Image: Roman marble relief depicting childbirth, Ostia Antica (c. 400 BCE). Wellcome Collection, CC BY 4.0.

Address

P. O. Box 104
San Leandro, CA
94577

Telephone

(650) 964-2229

Website

http://advancingmidwifery.org/

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