Jaclyn Roman is part of an unusual effort to minimize the harm caused by closures of birthing units in Iowa hospitals.
She's one of 11 certified nurse midwives from the University of Iowa who travel regularly to two Iowa towns where local hospitals have closed birthing units. The university's pilot project, which is supported by a federal grant, doesn't aim to reopen shuttered birthing units. Instead, the midwife team helps ensure area women receive related services. Last year, it served more than 500 patients.
