North Carolina is facing a perinatal healthcare crisis. Refusing to license Certified Professional Midwives as healthcare providers is denying women the right to choose how and where they give birth. The South has a long history with midwifery care. Before the early twentieth century, home was the normal place to welcome a new baby, most often with Black traditional midwives, who’s expertise was founded in tradition and practice passed down from generation to generation. As the growing US white, male medical system began to explore obstetric care and birth started occurring more frequently within a medical system of care the government began to intervene and establish policies and regulations for perinatal care providers. These regulations restricted practice and created monumental barriers to traditional midwives, gradually eradicating their existence.

This timely documentary will educate viewers on the alarming statistics surrounding these dated, restrictive laws and shed light on the “underground midwives” of North Carolina who are answering the call in secrecy to protect and serve an entire generation of home birthing families. We are advocating for women’s right to body autonomy while empowering policy-makers to stand up for CPM licensure in 2025.