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Human Rights Resources

Respecting human rights is a core part of the philosophy of midwifery care. ICM emphasises the importance of midwives recognising, advocating for, and respecting the human rights of all people, particularly women and newborns. These resources provide tools and information midwives and midwives’ associations need to promote and protect human rights within their practice.

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Statement

Obstetric Violence and Mistreatment and Violence Against Women in Reproductive Health Services 

ICM emphasises addressing obstetric violence, promoting respectful maternity care, and embedding human rights in sexual and reproductive health services.
Core Document

Bill of Rights for Women and Midwives

The Bill of Rights for Women and Midwives addresses the basic human rights of women and midwives that have been systematically denied and adds another framework to approach governments when demanding change to improve midwifery and maternity services.
A midwife explains a document to her patient in a midwifery clinic.
Position Statement

Birth Registration

Birth registration, a fundamental right under UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, is critical for legal identity, protection, and service access.
Midwife Talita Oseguera reviews information on a laptop during a general check up with Lacee Rodgers who is 32 weeks pregnant at Choices clinic. Memphis, Tennessee, USA.
Position Statement

Midwives, Women and Human Rights 

ICM urges midwives to implement a human rights-based approach to health in all settings, and to empower women to exercise their human rights.
Statement

Anti-Racism Statement

At ICM we passionately embrace the diversity of the midwifery community, including racial diversity, but also see that the lived experiences of Black, Asian and other racialised midwives and those they care for differs significantly from that of white counterparts.
Position Statement

Female Genital Mutilation

FGM is a harmful practice that violates the human rights of girls and women. Midwives should not support FGM, and should work to eliminate it in their countries.
Midwife Nikia Grayson reads a brochure on LGBTI health with patient Antoine Dandridge, who is a gay man, during a wellness check at CHOICES Center for Reproductive Health in Memphis, Tennessee, USA.
Position Statement

Human Rights of LGBTI People

Everyone has the right to self-determination and the right to receive humanised, inclusive midwifery care regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. Midwives have a critical role in providing compassionate, culturally safe care to LGBTIQ+ people.
Position Statement

Midwives’ Provision of Abortion-Related Services

Well-educated midwives can provide competent and safe abortion-related services. Any woman who seeks or requires abortion-related services is entitled to be provided with such services by midwives, in accordance with the laws and policies of their country.
Position Statement

Midwives and Violence against Women and Children

The human rights of women and children should be respected in all societies. This includes the prevention of violence against women and children. Midwives should support prevention strategies and programmes.
Position Statement

Debt cancellation and other economic policies that affect health and safe motherhood

ICM supports the complete cancellation of debt owed by poor countries, as an important step to reducing poverty and inequality, but also enabling investments into public services such as health and education.