International Confederation of Midwives | Strengthening midwives and midwives’ associations globally.

We are the global voice of midwives

We work with midwives and midwives’ associations globally to ensure that women and gender diverse people have access to a midwife’s care before, during and after childbirth. We advocate for midwives to practise the full scope of our profession, providing education, sexual and reproductive health services and newborn care.

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We provide

support and assistance

leadership development

resources

professional development

to more than 100 midwives’ associations globally.

Recent News

16 March 2026

International Day of the Midwife 2026 Toolkit Launch

This year’s toolkit is designed to help you advocate, mobilise, and collect petition signatures to secure sustained investment to grow and strengthen the midwifery workforce in your community and country.

Uncategorized

10 March 2026

ICM 2026 Congress – Travel Advisory Update

The ICM 2026 Congress Secretariat is aware that current developments in the Middle East may create uncertainty for some participants regarding travel arrangements. The Congress, taking place in Lisbon, Portugal in June 2026, is proceeding as planned, and the organising committee is closely monitoring the situation.

Uncategorized

9 March 2026

Extreme Heat Is Putting Maternal, Newborn And Child Health At Risk

In January 2026, WHO convened a three-day meeting in Geneva to examine the health impacts of heat exposure on Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH). What distinguished this meeting was its system-wide approach. ICM Midwife Advisor Liselotte Kweekel participated in the discussions and shares reflections on the outcomes and their implications for midwives and midwifery.

Humanitarian and Climate Change

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Upcoming Events

5 May 2026 @ 14:00 CEST

Online

English, French, Spanish

International Day of the Midwife 2026 Virtual Event: One Million More Midwives

Join us on 5 May for a special virtual event celebrating the International Day of the Midwife and amplifying the global movement One Million More Midwives. This event will highlight the urgent need for an additional one million midwives worldwide to meet the sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, and adolescent health needs of women and gender-diverse people.

10 Jun 2026 — 12 Jun 2026

Lisbon, Portugal

English, French, Spanish

2026 ICM Triennial Council

Council Meetings are a core component of ICM’s internal governance structure and represent the highest decision-making authority of the Confederation. During the Council Meetings, Member Associations review progress, discuss strategic priorities, and approve key documents.

14 Jun 2026 — 18 Jun 2026

Lisbon, Portugal

English, French, Spanish

34th ICM Triennial Congress

The 34th ICM Triennial Congress will take place from 14–18 June 2026 in the vibrant city of Lisbon, Portugal, co-hosted by the Associação Portuguesa Dos Enfermeiros Obstetras (APEO). Known for its rich history, stunning architecture, cultural attractions, and bustling nightlife, Lisbon is the perfect backdrop for this global gathering of midwives.

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Midwives are Stronger Together

ICM members get access to education, networking and support to help grow our profession.

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Resources

ICM prepares and regularly updates tools and standards for midwives. Read our resources on topics related to midwifery, maternal, newborn, sexual and reproductive health.

A midwife checks a pregnant woman's blood pressure during a prenatal appointment at The Midwives Collective in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.

Core Document

International Definition and Scope of Practice of the Midwife

This document provides an internationally recognised definition and scope of practice of a midwife.

Core Document

Essential Competencies for Midwifery Practice

The essential competences for the practice of midwifery describe the minimum set of knowledge, skills and professional behaviours required by an individual to use the title of midwife as defined by the ICM.

Core Document

Professional Framework for Midwifery

Every profession needs a structure to support it, strengthen it and guide its development, that includes all the elements required before an occupation can be considered a profession.

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Select a Category to Learn More

Advocacy Association Education Enabling Environment Essential Competencies Gender Equality Human Rights Humanitarian and Climate Change Leadership Mentoring Midwife-Led Birth Centres Midwifery Practice Model of Care MPath Philosophy Regulation Research Respectful Maternity Care Uncategorized

Our global advocacy campaign

PUSH is ICM’s global campaign for woman-centred care, with midwives as the way to get there. We work with midwives and partners so women and gender diverse people can access quality care, and midwives are valued, supported and heard.

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