Women's public health policy in the 21st century.

Midwives share a historic commitment with maternal and child public health (MCH) agencies to protect and improve perinatal health among vulnerable populations. Both professions are now beginning to broaden their responsibilities to include the comprehensive health needs of women. Because midwifery's unique woman-centered primary care practices reflect the goals and aims of the developing MCH women's health agenda, continued partnerships between midwives and the maternal and child public health community are imperative to promote the health of women and their families. To facilitate such collaboration, this article presents an overview of women's public health policy and articulates the unique contributions midwives can and do make to women's health care and public health policy.