ICM Midwifery Terminology: Reference Guide for Standardised Spanish and French Translations 

Background 

Following the publication of key global documents on midwifery models of care in English, which ICM collaborated on together with WHO, UNFPA and UNICEF, we recognised the need to streamline how midwifery related concepts and terms are translated and used across different languages and contexts.related concepts and terms are translated and used across different languages and contexts. 

The release of the Midwifery Models of Care Position Paper in 2024 and its accompanying Implementation Guide in 2025 highlighted the importance of establishing a common understanding of midwiferyrelated terminology beyond English. As these publications were translated, it became clear that key terms were being rendered in multiple ways across organisations, and in some cases even within ICM’s own resources, creating inconsistency, reducing clarity, and making it more difficult to locate, align and use related resources across documents, languages and regions. 

Because midwifery models of care is not a commonly used concept in many nonEnglishspeaking contexts, particularly in Spanish and Frenchspeaking settings, we identified the need for a more coordinated approach to terminology, working in collaboration with WHO and UNFPA. This included addressing variations in how core terms such as midwife, midwifery and models of care were being translated, to ensure greater consistency across languages. 

The Consultation Process 

To address these challenges, ICM led a structured consultation process to agree on the most appropriate translations of key midwifery terminology. This process was designed to ensure that the terminology adopted would be clear, relevant and usable across different contexts, while remaining aligned with the intent of the original English-language documents. 

Consultations were conducted separately for Spanish and French, recognising the linguistic, cultural and professional diversity across regions and the need to adapt the process to different intercontinental and national realities. Participants included midwives with experience in policy, education, practice and translation, bringing a broad range of perspectives to the discussion. 

The consultations focused on identifying areas of divergence in existing translations, discussing the implications of different terminology choices, and reaching agreement on preferred terms. The outcome of this process was a set of agreed translations for use in the Spanish- and French-language versions of the Midwifery Models of Care publications and related resources. While these terms were agreed for use in global translations, we recognise that regional and national terminology will continue to be used in different contexts, and that the agreed terms do not necessarily reflect the terminology currently used in all settings. 

From Consultation to Standards 

To support continuity and streamline the way we speak and write about midwives and midwifery, ICM has decided to adopt the outcomes of these consultations as the standard terminology for its Spanish- and French-language publications moving forward. 

This means that the agreed translations are now considered the reference standard for: 

• ICM documents and resources 

• ICM digital (website) content 

Standardising terminology helps ensure that resources are easier to find, understand and use, while strengthening coherence across global and regional communications. 

Balancing Global Consistency and Local Terminology 

Alongside the adoption of standard terminology, ICM has decided to systematically include language and terminology disclaimers in its Spanish- and French-language publications. These disclaimers acknowledge the diversity of terms used to describe the midwifery profession across different countries and contexts, while clearly explaining the terminology choices made by ICM for consistency at the global level. 

Including these disclaimers helps: 

• Recognise and respect national, cultural and linguistic differences 

• Avoid confusion or misinterpretation of terminology 

• Provide transparency around institutional language choices 

• Support inclusive communication, including the use of the generic feminine form in gendered languages 

By pairing standardised terminology with clear disclaimers, ICM aims to balance global consistency with respect for local realities. 

Beyond English, Spanish and French 

Translations of ICM documents in any language face similar challenges. While this guidance is intended for ICM’s official languages, English, Spanish and French, it also serves as a broader example of the importance of reaching consensus on key professional terminology before translating technical and policy documents in other languages. 

Establishing agreed terminology early helps prevent inconsistencies, supports accurate translation, and strengthens shared understanding across languages and contexts. It can also support alignment between curricula, legislation, policy, and Global Standards. 

Disclaimer for French Documents (translated to English for reference only):

In its French-language documents and content, the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) uses the terms sage-femme and maïeutique / pratique sage-femme to refer to the profession and its practice, in order to facilitate the identification of resources associated with the profession and to support dialogue at the global level. We recognise that, depending on national and local contexts, other terminological usages may be appropriately employed within specific linguistic, cultural and professional frameworks. ICM uses the generic feminine form to refer to the profession, reflecting the fact that the majority of people practising as midwives are women. This usage does not exclude men within the profession, whose contribution is fully recognised and valued.

Disclaimer for Spanish Documents  (translated to English for reference only): 

In its Spanish-language documents and content, the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) uses the terms matrona and matronería to translate midwife and midwifery in order to facilitate the identification of resources associated with the profession and to support dialogue at the global level. We recognise that across Spanish-speaking contexts, other valid terms are used depending on local norms, such as partera/partería, obstetra/obstetricia and comadrona. In Spanish, ICM uses the generic feminine form to refer to the profession, reflecting the fact that the majority of people practising as midwives are women, without excluding men, whose contribution to the profession is recognised and valued.