Why Austin, TX?
In Texas, midwifery is legal and regulated, but the political climate is tense. There are a variety of factors making it more difficult to achieve optimal maternity care and autonomous birth support in the state of Texas, and midwives are being persecuted. The political division within the state of Texas is most felt in its capital, Austin. Advocacy from midwives, doulas, and birth centers need support to ensure reproductive autonomy for all in the years to come.
Historical climate:
Prior to the region of Austin, TX, becoming what it is today, the Tonkawa, Comanche, Apache, and Coahuiltecan peoples, among others, lived, hunted, and traded along what is now Shoal Creek and the Colorado River. These lands held deep spiritual and ecological significance, shaped by seasonal movement and nurturing rather than ownership. These indigenous communities were displaced by Spanish, Mexico, and Anglo settlers. Their treaties were broken, and their sacred landscapes were claimed and renamed.Â
Political climate:
The city of Austin consistently votes Democratic at local, state, and national levels. Issues like climate action, transit expansion, affordable housing, and social equity are high priorities.
Austin also faces tension with Texas state leadership. There are repeated efforts by state legislators to curtail city autonomy (for example, bills to give the state greater control of city policy). Changes in election timing and structure (e.g. coinciding mayoral elections with presidential cycles) reflect ongoing debates about governance, representation, and turnout.Â
Literal climate:Â
There’s no other way to put this…Austin, TX, is hot AF for most of the year. We are hoping that the weather will be tolerable given the timing of our event November 12-15, 2025, will result in cooler temperatures and give us the opportunity to spread out across the beautiful grounds at Lucky Arrow Retreat.
