The Targeted Midwifery Workforce Development Act is designed to tackle the disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes for Black women and infants in New Jersey. The bill establishes a program within the Department of Labor and Workforce Development that focuses on educating individuals from historically marginalized communities about midwifery careers, enhancing cultural congruence in healthcare, and providing financial support for midwifery training. Key incentives include loan forgiveness for those who commit to working in underserved areas, competitive salaries, and grants for community-led birthing hubs. The act underscores the critical role of certified professional midwives in improving maternal care and reducing health disparities.

To support this initiative, the bill creates a nonlapsing, revolving fund within the General Fund dedicated to educational and training grants for midwives, as well as subsidies for midwives and their employers in marginalized communities. The fund will be initially sourced from the General Fund and will cover education, training costs, and family support for nontraditional students. Additionally, the bill appropriates $12,000,000 from the General Fund for program administration, staffing, and marketing, while promoting mentorship networks and community partnerships to strengthen the midwifery workforce and improve health outcomes for Black mothers and infants.