Out of this passion, she founded the Holy Family Birth Center in Weslaco, TX in 1983.
"By 2002 the infant mortality rate in Hidalgo County was cut in half due to the center, declared so successful that it was emulated nationally.
"[1] She trained midwives there and worked with local schools and factories to teach about health, especially as related to pregnancy and baby care.
She was involved in the developing of policies and laws related to midwifery practice and birth centers in Texas.
[1] Sr. Murdaugh "credits her decision to become a certified nurse midwife in part to Sr. Mary Charitas Iffrig, who introduced her to natural childbirth.