Understanding HB1127

Expanding Birth Access Across South Dakota

The Crisis:

Maternity Care Deserts in South Dakota

South Dakota faces a critical maternal healthcare crisis. Our state ranks #2 in the nation for maternity care deserts, with more than half of our population living in areas with severely limited or no access to maternity care services.

The numbers tell the story:

56.1% of South Dakotans live in maternity care deserts
23.7% of women have no birthing hospital within 30 miles
Women in maternity deserts travel 3.4 times farther to access care than women in areas with full services
Many communities have zero obstetric providers—no doctors, no midwives, no birth centers

What is a maternity care desert?

A maternity care desert is defined as an area with:

No hospitals or birth centers providing obstetric care

No obstetric providers (including doctors, Certified Nurse Midwives, and Certified Professional Midwives)

High proportions of women without health insurance

Source: March of Dimes – South Dakota Maternity Care Deserts Report

The solution is HB1127

HB1127 is common-sense legislation designed to expand access to safe, professional maternity care across South Dakota by removing unnecessary barriers to birth center development and midwife practice.

What HB1127 Does:

1. Updates Birth Center Statute

Modifies outdated requirements regarding proximity to hospitals with birth services
Makes it feasible to establish freestanding birth centers in underserved areas
View the current statute: SD Birth Center Statute 34-12-62

2. Supports Access to Midwifery Care

Aligns with existing CPM statute that already permits home birth and birth center practice
View the CPM statute: SD Certified Professional Midwife Statute 36-9C

3. Aligns State Statutes

Harmonizes the Birth Center statute with the Certified Professional Midwife statute
Eliminates contradictory regulations that exclude CPMs from the approved list of providers at free standing birth centers
Creates consistent, clear guidelines for safe maternity care provision

Read the Bill

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will HB1127 compromise safety? A: No. Birth centers and CPMs serve low-risk pregnancies only, with established protocols for emergency transfer when needed. This model has a strong safety record nationally.

Q: How does this affect hospital care? A: This bill doesn’t change hospital services. It adds options for low-risk pregnancies.

Q: Are Certified Professional Midwives qualified? A: Yes. CPMs are nationally certified, state-licensed professionals who complete rigorous education, clinical training, and ongoing continuing education requirements.

Q: What about women who want hospital births? A: This bill doesn’t change anything for women who choose hospital birth. It simply adds options for those who prefer birth center care.

Q: Will insurance cover birth center care? A: Many insurance plans cover birth center care. This varies by individual policy, and we’re working to expand coverage.

Q: What happens in an emergency? A: Birth centers and midwives have established emergency protocols and transfer agreements with hospitals. Risk screening ensures only appropriate candidates use birth center services.

Who Supports HB1127?

This legislation benefits:
✓ Expectant mothers and families
✓ Rural communities facing healthcare shortages
✓ Healthcare providers seeking to serve underserved populations
✓ Women living in maternity care deserts
✓ Taxpayers seeking cost-effective healthcare solutions
✓ Community leaders working to retain young families

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Take Action: Support HB1127 Today

Your voice matters. Contact your legislator and let them know you support expanded access to maternity care in South Dakota.

Step 1: Find Your Legislator. (See Below)

Step 2: Use Our Template. We’ve created a customizable letter template to make contacting your legislator easy. [Download Letter Template]

Step 3: Personalize & Send. Add your personal story and specific concerns to make your message powerful.

Step 4: Share. Help spread the word on social media using #HB1127 and #SDBirthMatters

Find your Senator

Senator List

Beal, Arch

District: 12

Understanding HB1127

The Crisis:

Maternity Care Deserts in South Dakota

The numbers tell the story:

What is a maternity care desert?

The solution is HB1127

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Supports HB1127?

Take Action: Support HB1127 Today

Find your Senator

Senator List

Health & Human Services Contacts

Senator List

Find your House Representative

House of Representatives List

How can I get involved with SD Birth Matters or learn more?