Global Standards for Midwifery Regulation – Companion Guide

Regulation

Last Edited 27 October 2025 16:05 CET

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About

The ICM Global Standards for Midwifery Regulation provide a benchmark for effective midwifery regulation systems. They outline:

Models of regulation
Protection of title
Governance
Functions:
- Scope of practice
- Pre-service midwifery education
- Registration
- Continuing competence
- Complaints and discipline
- Code of Conduct and Ethics

This companion guide is intended to be used alongside these Global Standards and additional regulation resources, which support implementation and can be found on the ICM website. Section one outlines what is effective midwifery regulation. Section two provides additional guidance on each standard and suggestions as to how a regulatory authority can evidence that a standard is being met or guide amendments so that standards are met.

Related Resources

Core Document, Standards

Global Standards for Midwifery Regulation

The goal of these standards is to promote regulatory mechanisms that protect the public by ensuring that safe and competent midwives provide high standards of midwifery care.

Position Statement

Legislation to Regulate Midwifery Practice

This document outlines legislation to regulate midwifery practice, ensuring safe, competent care by midwives through standardized education, licensing, and ethical guidelines to protect the public.

A midwife Yuri Kudo does prenatal checkup at Yajima midwifery Clinic in Tokyo, Japan.

Toolkit/Tool

Regulation Toolkit

This toolkit offers a practical approach and resources to assist midwives’ associations in lobbying for legislation and policy necessary to establish midwifery regulation, particularly in countries with limited or non-existent midwifery regulation.