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Legislative and Regulatory Advocacy
Media and Digital Advocacy
Collective Advocacy

Legislative and Regulatory Advocacy

There are many ways to engage in legislative and regulatory advocacy. From sending pre-written letters to attending town halls, we have you covered.

Take Action in an SMFM Campaign

SMFM frequently puts together letter-writing campaigns to make it easy to contact your elected officials. You don’t have to write a word - just enter your name and address, and we will send the right information to the right people.

Go to our Contact Policymakers page to check out any active campaigns.

Contact your elected officials directly

There are no limits to how often and why you contact your elected officials - they serve you, not the other way around. You have unique expertise to share. Offer yourself as a resource and help them understand the consequences their decisions will have on pregnant patients, infants, and families.

Below are step-by-step guides on how to effectively deliver your message.

Need additional guidance? Get support from SMFM staff.

  • Step one in connecting with your elected officials is to find out who they are!

    USA.gov makes it easy - just enter your address to see federal, state, and local representatives.


  • Start by researching your official and reading their official’s bio. What is their background? What do they care about? Make a personal connection to help you and your expertise stand out.

    Then, make sure you understand the issue at hand. What is at stake? What are the consequences - short-term, long-term, intended, and unintended? Why should your representative care?

  • Writing a letter or email means you can include as much information as you want - but that’s not always a great idea.

    If your letter is too long, it might not be read in full - or at all. Make sure your message is clear and concise.

    Start by identifying yourself, your expertise, and your request - should they vote yes or no on a bill? Are you asking them to sponsor legislation? Be specific!

    Then, in a few sentences, summarize the issue and why they should care. Pay attention to grammar and formatting to make your message more digestible:

    • Avoid run-on sentences

    • Don’t make paragraphs too long

    • Utilize bold, italicized, underlined, and highlighted text to emphasize and draw attention to points in case your message is being skimmed.

    This is also a great opportunity to mention any shared values - remember, make a connection!

Writing to your elected officials:

Calling your elected officials:

  • Step one in connecting with your elected officials is to find out who they are!

    USA.gov makes it easy - just enter your address to see federal, state, and local representatives.

    You can also call the Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 to be connected to your member’s office.

    If you are trying to reach your federal congressperson, remember that Members of Congress have both DC and district offices.

    District offices often have a lower call volume, meaning it may be easier to reach a staff member rather than an answering machine.

  • Start by researching your official and reading their official’s bio. What is their background? What do they care about? Try to make a personal connection to help you and your expertise stand out.

    Then, make sure you understand the issue at hand. What is at stake? What are the consequences - short-term, long-term, intended, and unintended? Why should your representative care?

  • The benefit of talking on the phone is that you don’t need to talk off the cuff. Use this to your advantage and prepare a script!

    Start by identifying yourself, your expertise, and your request - should they vote yes or no on a bill? Are you asking them to sponsor legislation? Be specific! Be concise!

    • Note: you can also call without a request and offer yourself as a resource. If that’s the case, make it clear!

    Then, in a few sentences, summarize the issue and why they should care. This is also a great opportunity to mention any shared values - remember, make a connection!

    In addition to having an initial script, write down some talking points so that you are prepared to answer questions if you reach a staffer.

    Wanna go the extra mile? If you do reach a staffer instead of an answering machine, send a follow-up email thanking them for your time, summarizing your request, and providing your contact information.

Testifying at a legislative or regulatory hearing may seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! This is a great way to share your expertise and support or oppose a particular bill or regulatory change that would impact your practice and/or your patients.

Provide testimony at a legislative or regulatory hearing

Checklist for preparing testimony:

  1. Check the bill page and/or legislature page for the date, time, and location of the hearing and the due date for testimony submission.

  2. Decide if you want to provide oral or written testimony.

  3. Confirm time or word/page limits for testimonies.

  4. Start writing!

Town halls are public meetings held by elected officials that are open to the public. The purpose is to allow officials to hear directly from their constituents. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions, share their opinions on specific issues or policies, and more.

Town halls are typically held during congressional recess, when Members of Congress return to their home districts to meet with constituents and hold events. However, town halls may be held during session - especially virtual town halls.

Attend a town hall

Preparing for a town hall

1. Find out when the next town hall will be (it will likely be listed on your rep’s website).

2. Share the town hall information with your community!

3. Develop a short list of questions you want to ask.

4. Practice reciting any personal stories you are willing to share.

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