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Philosophy Resources

Midwifery care promotes, protects and supports women’s human, reproductive and sexual health and rights, and respects ethnic and cultural diversity. These resources describe ICM’s midwifery philosophy.

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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.
Position Statement

Professional Accountability of the Midwife 

ICM asserts midwives must actively acquire and update knowledge, skills, and competency through professional education, ensuring accountability for their actions.
Midwife Talita Oseguera performs a general check up with Lacee Rodgers who is 32 weeks pregnant at Choices clinic. Memphis, Tennessee, USA.
Core Document

Professional Framework for Midwifery (2021)

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.
Position Statement

Partnership between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Midwives

Indigenous midwives make significant contributions to reproductive health and social justice worldwide. All midwives have a unique role in promoting equitable and effective partnerships with Indigenous midwives.
Midwife Juliya Akter is doing Sathi Akter’s (22) pregnancy routine checkup. Her role involves monitoring the progress of labour, offering guidance, and facilitating a safe and positive birthing experience. She does routine examinations in the female ward and attends to newborn babies and mothers. Keraniganj Upazila Health Complex, Bangladesh.
Core Document, Definition / Glossary

Definition of Midwifery

ICM has developed the definition of midwifery, used around the world as the basis of the profession.
Position Statement

Heritage and Culture in Childbearing

Midwives work in partnership with women and families to establish and maintain maternity services that are culturally sensitive, safe, and free from discrimination. Midwives should be knowledgeable about and respect the cultures of the families they work with.
Guide

Mother-Baby Friendly Birthing Facilities

Every woman has the right to a positive birth experience, to compassionate care from knowledgeable, skilled providers. International health organisations have co-designed Ten Steps to Mother-Baby Friendly Birthing Facilities.
Core Document

Philosophy and Model of Midwifery Care

This document provides a universal, description of the philosophy and model of midwifery care, without compromising local or regional characteristics of midwifery care.
Core Document

International Code of Ethics for Midwives 

The International Code of Ethics for Midwives addresses the midwife’s ethical mandates in keeping with the International Definition of the Midwife, and ICM standards.