Call for Proposals for 2027 Community Birth Conference
Apply to Present at the 2027 Community Birth Conference
Deadline to Submit: November 23, 2026
The AABC/NACPM Community Birth Conference Program Committee invites proposals to present at the AABC/NACPM 2027 Community Birth Conference to be held May 20-23, 2027 in Greenville, South Carolina.
The conference theme is “The Confluence: Shaping the Future of Community Birth”
The AABC/NACPM 2027 Community Birth Conference is the premier conference of midwifery-led birth centers and home birth practices. This national convening brings together a multidisciplinary group of attendees including midwives, nurses, birth workers, administrators, physicians, and advocates.
We welcome proposals that address both clinical issues and administrative challenges faced by community birth providers, administrators, and others advancing innovative solutions in maternity care. We encourage proposals that integrate interactive learning. Whenever possible, submissions should incorporate content related to racism and health disparities, social determinants of health, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
GENERAL INFORMATION
- About the Conference Presenters
- American Association of Birth Centers (AABC)
AABC is a multidisciplinary membership organization comprised of freestanding birth centers, alongside midwifery units, individuals, and organizations that support the birth center model. For 40 years, the American Association of Birth Centers has been the nation's most comprehensive resource on birth centers. AABC has built a solid foundation for growth in birth centers by promoting state regulations. advocating for sustainable insurance reimbursement, developing a quality improvement program, establishing national standards, establishing recognized accreditation through the Commission for the Accreditation of Birth Centers, providing an forum for discussion of issues, educating parents, professionals, and policy-makers to the birth center concept, conducting major research, and providing a national dataset to inform evidence-based practice - National Association of Certified Professional Midwives (NACPM)
NACPM is the national professional organization for Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs). NACPM works to expand access to midwifery care by advocating for licensure, equitable reimbursement, and the full integration of midwives into the healthcare system. As part of a broader community of midwifery professionals, NACPM supports policies that protect midwives’ autonomy, honor the cultural and historical roots of the profession, remove barriers to practice, and increase consumer access to these services. In partnership with national and state leaders, NACPM is committed to making sure all credentialed midwives can practice to the full extent of their training and provide safe, high-quality care to all families in the United States.
- American Association of Birth Centers (AABC)
- Membership in AABC or NACPM is not required to submit an abstract.
- We have adopted the AABC Community Agreements for the community to share space respectfully and with accountability. We ask you to review and indicate acceptance of these community agreements with your submission.
- We recognize the profound relationship between language, beliefs, practices, and well-being. All presenters are required to use inclusive language in accordance with the AABC Inclusive Language Guidelines.
- Presentations should refer to midwives and midwifery to recognize the different types of midwives practicing in birth centers (CMs, CNMs, CPMs, LMs).
- The individual submitting the abstract is considered the primary contact. All correspondence about the abstract will be emailed to the submitting presenter. The primary submitting presenter is responsible for communicating any details and updates about the abstract and presentation to the other presenters.
- The AABC/NACPM Community Birth Conference is an educational conference. Presentations may not directly promote a product or service.
- Presenters of accepted proposals will be notified in the week of January 4, 2027
PRESENTER INFORMATION
- Presenter Limits: Education session presentations are limited to no more than three presenters.
- Conference Registration: ALL presenters are required to register for at least one day of the conference and will receive a speaker discount.
- Expenses: All expenses related to attendance at the conference – including registration, travel, and lodging - are the presenter's responsibility.
- Inclusivity: All presenters agree to abide by the AABC Community Agreements and use inclusive language.
TOPICS OF INTEREST
We welcome proposals that address both clinical issues and administrative challenges faced by community birth providers, administrators, and others advancing innovative solutions in maternity care. We encourage proposals that integrate interactive learning. Whenever possible, submissions should incorporate content related to racism and health disparities, social determinants of health, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Clinical Excellence
This breakout track explores the clinical knowledge, skills, and frameworks that community midwives need to provide safe, high-quality, evidence-based care across the full spectrum of midwifery care in community birth settings. Topics may address hands-on skills, emerging research, and practical tools to support evidence-based, equitable, and safe care for diverse populations.
- Clinical skills and drills
- Pharmacology/ herbology
- Complications in the peripartum period
- VBACs in community midwifery practice
- Trauma-informed care
- Addressing health disparities through clinical approaches
- Pelvic floor therapy
- Risk management and CQI for Community Birth
- Peer Review
- Sentinel events
- AI in clinical documentation
Operations & Sustainability
Running a thriving midwifery practice takes more than clinical skill — it requires business acumen, systems thinking, and a deep commitment to long-term viability. This breakout track is focused on the effective management and long-term success of community birth practices. Topics may include strategies for financial health, daily operations, compliance, and innovative approaches to sustaining organizations and expanding access.
- Sustainability (financial, staffing, ownership)
- Day-to-day operations
- Financial management
- Billing and coding
- Contracting
- Malpractice insurance
- Auxiliary services
- Marketing and visibility
- Technology in community midwifery operations
- Operational systems for Equity, Access and Advocacy
- Healthcare Finance
- Grant/fundraising
- Addressing barriers and overcoming challenges
People, Culture & Equity
This breakout track focuses on fostering inclusive, equitable, and supportive work environments in maternity care. Topics may relate to leadership, workforce development, well-being, and advancing diversity, equity, and belonging in all aspects of practice.
- Human resources and staffing
- Leadership and Workforce
- Student integration and fellowship programs
- Leadership development and innovation
- Culture Shift
- Narrative change
- Film projects
- Racial equity and serving diverse communities
- Self-care
- Stress management and burnout prevention
- Midwife well-being after adverse outcomes
Innovation & Advocacy
This breakout track highlights creative solutions, policy advances, and advocacy efforts that drive positive change in maternal and reproductive health. Topics may address innovative models, public health initiatives, and collaborative partnerships.
- State and Federal Innovation, Integration and Policy
- Reproductive justice
- Public health and advocacy
- Community Partnerships for Innovation and Integration
- Partnering with FQHCs that have mobile clinics
- Non-profit and FQHC models
- Alongside Midwifery Units
- Communications, collaboration, and systems integration
- Innovative Community Midwifery Models
- Telehealth in perinatal care
Research
Research sessions highlight the evidence that grounds, validates, and advances community midwifery practice. Featuring a general session panel and poster presentations, this track explores research on home and birth center outcomes, equitable data collection, and tools for measuring and communicating quality care. Presentations may feature peer-reviewed research or original work from the community midwifery community. Designed for practitioners, researchers, graduate students, and advocates committed to rigorous, community-centered evidence shaping the future of the profession.
Types of Education Presentations
-
- Concurrent session (60 or 90 minutes)
- Research panel presentation (30 minutes)
- Poster presentation
- Pre-conference workshop: half day (4 hours) or full day (7 hours)
Instructional Design Guidelines
-
- Be informed by sound learning principles
- Facilitate knowledge transfer and development of new competencies
- Stimulate and provoke discussion, audience engagement, and outcome-focused design
- Use methods that draw out relevant past knowledge and experiences
PRESENTER INFORMATION
- Be grounded by sound learning principles
- Equip participants with practical knowledge and measurable new competencies
- Encourage discussion, active engagement, and outcome-focused learning
- Use methods that draw on participants’ relevant knowledge and experiences
How to Submit a Proposal
- Use the online submission form to submit your abstract by 11:59PM ET on November 23, 2026.
- We recommend preparing your information in advance of submission.
- Only complete abstracts will be considered by the AABC Program Committee.
APPLICATION OVERVIEW
-
Applicants will be asked to provide:
- Type of Presentation (check all that apply)
- Concurrent session (60 or 90 minutes)
- Research panel presentation (30 minutes)
- Poster Presentation
- Pre-conference workshop: half day (4 hours) or full day (7 hours)
- Primary Focus of Presentation (for Concurrent Sessions)
- Clinical Excellence
- Operations & Sustainability
- People, Culture & Equity
- Innovation & Advocacy
- Title of Presentation (limit 100 characters)
- Summary Description (limit 150 words)
- Learning Objectives – Provide at least 3 learning objectives that clearly state what the participant will learn from attending this session. For example, “At the end of the session, the learner will be able to explain…”
- For pre-conference workshops provide at least 6 learning objectives
- Content Outline – Provide an outline of your presentation which aligns with the stated learning objectives and includes the estimated time allotted for each major section/topic.
- Pharmacotherapeutics - Does the session include pharmacotherapeutics for APRNs? If yes, describe the content and how much of it is related to advanced pharmacotherapeutics.
- Teaching Method(s) – Identify the teaching modalities that you will use for an interactive educational session.
- Bibliography –This is a requirement for continuing education approval.
- Majority of references from peer-reviewed journals published within the last five years (unless a relevant classic)
- Minimum of six evidence-based references in APA format
- Pre-conference workshops require more: 10 for half-day, 12 for full-day
- Online Adaptability – Can this presentation be delivered in an online format if needed?
- Presenter Information (for each presenter)
- Name
- Credentials
- Organization
- Title
- Phone
- Mailing Address
- City, State, Zip
- Bio (limit 100 words) and upload CV/Resume
- Completed Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form
- Acknowledgments
- Conference Registration & Travel Expenses: ALL presenters understand that expenses related to attendance at the conference - including registration, travel, and lodging - are the presenter's responsibility.
- Inclusive Language Guidelines: ALL presenters understand that they are required to use inclusive language in accordance with the AABC Inclusive Language Guidelines.
- Community Agreements: ALL presenters have read and agree to the AABC Community Agreements.
- Type of Presentation (check all that apply)