Criticism of new midwifery regulations: Women's Union sounds the alarm!

Criticism of new midwifery regulations: Women's Union sounds the alarm!

In the last few days the discussion about the new regulations for midwives in Rhineland-Palatinate has flared up again. The CDU Ludwigshafen Women's Union has sharply criticized the changes that have been in effect since November 1, 2025. According to district chairwoman Kirsten Pehlke, the new regulations are not effective and could have fatal effects on midwives and expectant mothers. The limited availability of obstetric care in the region due to many clinic closures is particularly contributing to the unrest.

In Rhineland-Palatinate, numerous obstetric clinics have closed their doors, making the situation for pregnant women increasingly difficult. The new regulations of the midwifery assistance contract stipulate that attending midwives only receive 80% of the usual remuneration for the women they care for. These changes are not only economically questionable, but could also lead to a high wave of layoffs among freelance midwives in maternity hospitals. The midwives' association fears far-reaching consequences that will greatly affect not only the midwives themselves, but also the mothers. The Rheinpfalz reports that…

The challenges of attending midwives

Attending midwives play a crucial role in obstetric care. They currently attend more than 20% of births in Germany, although in some federal states such as Bavaria up to 80% of births are attended to by midwives. These midwives do an important job by working closely with a team during the birth in the hospital, ensuring 24-hour care. In their previous form, attending midwives were able to bill 100% of their services, which is now severely restricted by the new regulations. The Midwives Association describes that…

With the new midwifery assistance contract, which also applies to attending midwives, the remuneration for one-to-one care will be significantly reduced. The surcharge that is paid for individual care only applies if it takes place within a very short time frame around the birth. If several women are cared for at the same time, the midwives only receive a fraction of the remuneration, which represents a further reduction in their working conditions. Similar developments already occurred in 2018, and the current adjustments seem like a step backwards.

What do those affected think?

The Women's Union has taken up the midwives' concerns and supports their demands for renegotiations, appropriate pay and a reduction in bureaucracy. The stakes are high because without appropriate motivation and fair remuneration, many midwives may have to leave the profession, putting further pressure on midwifery in the region. Expectant mothers already face unsafe conditions, and concerns about the availability of midwives could place strains on their well-being during pregnancy and birth.

The developments surrounding the new regulations for midwives show once again how important sustainable and fair regulations are in obstetric care. Midwives are not only important companions during pregnancy and birth, but also indispensable for the well-being of mothers and newborns. It remains to be hoped that the voices of those affected will be heard and positive changes will be brought about.