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Background: This article examines the utilization patterns of community birth (CB) and midwife-attended birth (MAB) among Asian/Pacific Islander (API) populations in the United States. It highlights the presence of significant racial-ethnic disparities and discusses cultural variations that influence these birth choices. Objectives: To describe variation in the probability of CB and MAB in low-risk pregnancies across API communities and to explore contributors to these variations, including traditional birth practices, cultural beliefs, and acculturation. Methods: The study employs logistic regression analysis of 2010-2020 birth certificate data to examine the probability of CB and MAB across pan-ethnic racial-ethnic groups and API subgroups. The data include information on place of birth, birth attendant, maternal demographics, and race-ethnicity, providing a comprehensive view of maternity care utilization among diverse populations. Results: The findings reveal that CB and MAB rates are significantly lower among API groups compared to other pan-ethnic groups. Among API subgroups, there is substantial heterogeneity in the uptake of CB and MAB, with lower rates among Asian Indians and Chinese birthing people and higher rates in Hawaiian, Japanese, and Guamanian populations. Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of addressing racial-ethnic disparities in maternity care and promoting culturally sensitive approaches. Factors such as traditional birth customs, cultural beliefs, and acculturation significantly influence the choice of maternity care among API communities. Tailored interventions that consider the cultural differences and values of API subgroups are essential to enhancing the adoption of low-intervention care models and reducing healthcare disparities in maternal and infant outcomes. 

Background: This article examines the utilization patterns of community birth (CB) and midwife-attended birth (MAB) among Asian/Pacific Islander (API) populations in the United States. It highlights the presence of significant racial-ethnic disparities and discusses cultural variations that influence these birth choices. Objectives: To describe variation in the probability of CB and MAB in low-risk pregnancies across API communities and to explore contributors to these variations, including traditional birth practices, cultural beliefs, and acculturation. Methods: The study employs logistic regression analysis of 2010-2020 birth certificate data to examine the probability of CB and MAB across pan-ethnic racial-ethnic groups and API subgroups. The data include information on place of birth, birth attendant, maternal demographics, and race-ethnicity, providing a comprehensive view of maternity care utilization among diverse populations. Results: The findings reveal that CB and MAB rates are significantly lower among API groups compared to other pan-ethnic groups. Among API subgroups, there is substantial heterogeneity in the uptake of CB and MAB, with lower rates among Asian Indians and Chinese birthing people and higher rates in Hawaiian, Japanese, and Guamanian populations. Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of addressing racial-ethnic disparities in maternity care and promoting culturally sensitive approaches. Factors such as traditional birth customs, cultural beliefs, and acculturation significantly influence the choice of maternity care among API communities. Tailored interventions that consider the cultural differences and values of API subgroups are essential to enhancing the adoption of low-intervention care models and reducing healthcare disparities in maternal and infant outcomes. 

Abstract State laws have influenced access to abortion in the 50 years since Roe v. Wade. The 2022 Dobbs decision returned questions about the legality of abortion to the states, which increased the importance of state laws for abortion access. The objective of this study is to illustrate trends in abortion-restrictive and abortion-supportive state laws using a unique longitudinal database of reproductive health laws across the United States from 1994 to 2022. This study offers a descriptive analysis of historical trends in state-level pre-viability abortion bans, abortion method bans, efforts to dissuade abortion, TRAP (targeted regulation of abortion providers) laws, other laws that restrict reproductive choice, and laws that expand abortion access and support reproductive health. Data sources include state statutes (from Nexis Uni) and secondary sources. The data reveal that pre-viability bans, including gestation-based bans and total bans, became significantly more prevalent over time. Other abortion-restrictive laws increased from 1994 to 2022, but states also passed a growing number of laws that support reproductive health. Increasing polarization into abortion-restrictive and abortion-supportive states characterized the 1994–2022 period. These trends have implications for maternal and infant health and for racial/ethnic and income disparities.