Making Midwifery Care Accessible to All
Every woman deserves a midwife, yet for many, the cost of care is a significant barrier. The Center for Birth, led by a mother-daughter midwifery team who have worked together for over a decade, is committed to removing financial obstacles so that no one is denied compassionate, skilled midwifery.
This commitment began in Owner + Director Darlene’s previous practice in Washington, where she accepted Medicaid and provided one free birth each year to a family in need. Although Medicaid reimbursement rates were low, they still helped cover some basic costs, making it possible to serve underserved communities. When Midwife Bri later took over that practice, she went even further by offering one free birth every month, demonstrating a profound dedication to ensuring that all women have access to the care they desire.
Today, The Center for Birth continues this tradition in Texas by offering two free births each month. Unfortunately, the Medicaid reimbursement rate in Texas covers only a fraction of the actual expenses involved in prenatal and birth services, making it unsustainable to continue at this level without additional community support. Moreover, statistics show that limited access to midwifery care disproportionately affects women of color and refugees, and The Center for Birth remains determined to address these inequities.
To further this mission, the midwives donate a portion of their time, and a dedicated donation page is now available for anyone who feels called to help. Whether it’s purchasing prenatal vitamins, funding childbirth classes, or covering part of a mother’s prenatal care, every contribution directly increases access for Fort Worth families. Each quarter, The Center for Birth will spotlight a specific family in need, allowing donors to either contribute directly to that family or make a general donation that supports the broader community.
Stay tuned for details about the Annual Fundraising Gala, where friends and supporters of The Center for Birth can connect further with this vital cause. By working together, it is possible to ensure that every woman—regardless of her financial circumstances—receives the midwifery care she deserves.
Apply for a WIN Birth Sponsorship
Thank you for your interest in WIN initiative to be a recipient of a birth with The Center for Birth at no cost to you.
Application Instructions:
Please write at least a one page essay on why you want to have an out of hospital birth.
The following are things to address in your essay to help us choose the right recipient.
- Why birth at the Center for Birth?
- How did you hear about this program?
- What is your knowledge base regarding midwives and birth center birth?
- Is your family supportive of this choice?
- Have you or any close family/friends used midwives before? Tell us about
that experience?
- What are you looking for in the midwives that will attend your birth?
Lastly, please include the amount of your monthly household income along with pay
stubs for the last month. We look forward to meeting you and serving you.