Bill allowing nurse-midwives to refer patients for pelvic floor therapy passes Pa. House
Rep. Gina H. Curry December 18, 2025 | 10:42 AM
HARRISBURG, Dec. 18 – Women who choose nurse midwives as providers for pregnancy and delivery could have easier access to pelvic floor therapy thanks to legislation introduced by state Rep. Gina H. Curry, D-Delaware, that passed the House Wednesday.
“Pelvic floor issues are extremely common complications after pregnancy and delivery, and new moms don’t need the additional hurdle of going to another doctor’s appointment simply to get a referral for care they and their midwife already know they need,” said Curry. “Midwives provide competent, compassionate care to thousands of women and infants each year. They are just as knowledgeable of these issues as other maternal health providers.”
Under current law, only physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants can refer patients for pelvic floor therapy, a type of physical therapy that addresses pelvic floor issues including pain, incontinence, and abdominal muscle problems common after pregnancy and childbirth. This means patients who choose to use a nurse midwife for obstetric care first need to see one of these approved practitioners before they can get a referral for pelvic floor therapy.
House Bill 1251 would amend the Physical Therapy Practice Act to allow nurse midwives to refer their patients for pelvic floor therapy, streamlining the process for their patients.
According to Curry, pelvic floor therapy can allow women experiencing pelvic heaviness, pelvic pain, urinary leakage, and organ prolapse to improve their condition with specialized exercises so that they can avoid invasive surgeries.
The American Midwifery Certification Board reports that in 2025, 590 certified nurse midwives work in Pennsylvania; current research shows that anywhere from 25% to 50% of women will experience a pelvic floor issue in the 10 years after giving birth.
H.B. 1251 passed 202-1 and moves to the state Senate for consideration.