A group of Georgia midwives filed a lawsuit against the state on Thursday, calling for it to loosen stringent regulations governing the industry. 

The plaintiffs argue their services are necessary in large swaths of areas described as maternity care deserts, where obstetric providers or birthing facilities are lacking. Physician agreement requirements and other state regulations have placed an unlawful barrier to residents’ access to healthcare services from midwives, they argued in the lawsuit, according to NBC News.  

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