Midwives Political Action Committee

Midwives-PAC is the political arm of the ACNM.  It contributes to candidates for federal office based primarily upon the level of support they have shown or expressed for matters relating to women's health and the role certified nurse-midwives and certifed midwives play in delivering quality obstetrical and gynecological care.

CNMs Margaret Egeland, Debbie Duran-Snell, Kitty Nielsen, and Leni Smith meet with Rep. Darlene Hooley (D-OR), 2nd fr. left, January 10, 2008

CNMs Sally Tom and Lisa Summers at reception for Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), Washington, D.C., December 12, 2007

 

Midwives-PAC and ACNM strive to educate federal candidates on the important role midwives play in the delivery of quality care to women in theU.S.  In addition to supporting those legislators and candidates that have expressly supported midwifery in the past, Midwives-PAC seeks to expand the awareness and support for midwivery services.  To do so, Midwives-PAC and ACNM reach out to legislators in both political parties, particularly those in leadership positions. 

ACNM believes it was important to engage legislators within the political system to ensure that the interests of CNMs/CMs and the women they serve could be heard.  By engaging in the political system, Midwives PAC is helping to educate and inform political candidates for elective office.

ACNM has prepared a MIDWIVES-PAC Toolkit to help you as you in becoming more politically active.  Any ACNM member is able to request resources for their member of Congress by filling out the form at the back of the toolkit.  The Midwives PAC Board of Trustees will review all requests and make determinations on any contributions. 

Please contact Patrick Cooney, ACNM's Federal Representative, at (202) 347-0034 if you have questions regarding Midwives PAC.

Q: Why should I donate to the PAC? I already pay ACNM dues?
A: ACNM dues may not be used for political contributions.

Q: How does my contribution to the MIDWIVES-PAC benefit me?
A: When MIDWIVES-PAC makes political contributions, ACNM is more effective in communicating your views and concerns to legislators. Recall the adage: there is strength in numbers; strong financial numbers increase the number of our opportunities to reach these decision makers.

Q: How do I contribute to Midwives-PAC?

A: Please make your check payable to Midwives-PAC, and send to PACServices, 5708 Kirby Road, Clinton, Maryland 20735.

Q: What is the difference between the ACNM Government Affairs Commitee (GAC) and the ACNM Political Action Committee (MIDWIVES-PAC)?
A: MIDWIVES-PAC is a legal entity within ACNM, but is fiscally distinct from ACNM. It exists to raise and distribute funds to support candidates for elective office. GAC builds and supports a grassroots lobbying network in order to support the ACNM legislative agenda, and successfully influence U.S. maternal-child health policy that will affect CNM practice and the health of women and childbearing families.

Q: Why should we have to 'buy time' to meet with our legislators?
A: Supporting a candidate's election effectively demonstrates our recognition that seeking public office is expensive. When we provide financial support, we are recognized as being involved in politics. Such support does not insure a politician's vote, but it is an opportunity to present our issue in person.

Q: Who can contribute to the MIDWIVES-PAC?
A: Only individual ACNM members may contribute.

Q: Can Friends of the College give money?
A: Yes, but we cannot solicit monies from this group.

Q: Can an ACNM Chapter make donations to the MIDWIVES-PAC?
A: Yes, if the Chapter raises money specifically for this purpose.

Q: Can I earmark money to promote specific candidates or legislative initiatives?
A: No, but you can make recommendations to the PAC Board of Directors.

Q: Will the PAC accept cash donations?
A: No. While it is legal to do so, it makes it very difficult for ACNM to maintain the financial
integrity of its tracking system.

Q: What criteria will the PAC Board use for making political contributions to candidates?
A: -Whether the candidate holds a leadership or policy-shaping position in his or her party;
-The candidate's position and/or voting record on issues involving quality health care
and the role of CNMs/CMs;
-The nature and strength of the candidate's opposition in the primary or general
election; and
-The integrity and character of the candidate;
-Other sources of financial assistance available to the candidate.

Q: Can PAC monies be used to support the Republican National Committee or the Democratic National Committee?
A: Yes.

Q: Can my business/practice donate money?
A: donations from incorporated businesses or practices may be accepted by the MIDWIVES-PAC administration account, which is only for the purpose of deferring administrative costs. But, this makes more PAC dollars available for contributions.

Q: Can ACNM members who are not citizens make contributions?
A: Certain categories may contribute monies, such as foreign citizens who are lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States (those who have a 'green card').

Q: Can ACNM members who are federal and military employees give to the MIDWIVES-PAC?
A: Yes.

Q: What is my yearly limit on contributions to the MIDWIVES-PAC?
A: $5,000 per calendar year.

Q: What is the limit I can privately contribute to an individual candidate's election?
A: $2,000.

Q: Do donations to my state nurses' PAC or other state PACs affect these limits?
A: No.

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