Warning Regarding Unauthorised Use of Similar Domain Names and Unaffiliated Credentialing Platforms

In the digital age, it is becoming more difficult to confuse organisations with similar names and missions. This is especially true for global health organisations, where distinguishing between reputable, transparent actors and those that lack credibility or accountability can sometimes be challenging. 

Currently, ICM has been made aware of a website with a very similar name, internationalmidwife.org, operated by an organisation called the International Registry of Midwives (IRM). ICM has no affiliation to this organisation, and mistaking one for the other may have serious consequences for public safety and professional credibility. 

The International Confederation of Midwives (ICM), accessible at internationalmidwives.org, is the global voice of midwives. Founded in 1922 and headquartered in the Netherlands, ICM represents national midwifery associations from more than 130 countries. ICM is a non-state actor with the World Health Organization and works with governments, academic institutions, and global health agencies to define and uphold Global Standards for midwifery education, regulation, and practice. Our Professional Framework for Midwifery and Global Standards provide an internationally recognized and  robust framework for the profession of midwifery globally.  

Crucially, ICM does not register or regulate individual midwives. We do not issue personal credentials, licenses, or certifications. Our role is to set the Global Standards for the profession and to support and unify national midwifery associations. The regulation of midwives is, and must remain, the exclusive domain of national or regional authorities, whose powers and responsibilities are described in legislation. Only these legally constituted authorities have the legal mandate to license, register, and discipline midwives within their jurisdictions. 

In stark contrast, internationalmidwife.org is operated by a private entity that offers voluntary certification for midwives, doulas, and birth workers. While IRM presents itself online as a mission-driven organisation, it does not hold recognition from any major international or national regulatory body. There is no public evidence of IRM’s governance structure, financial transparency, or alignment with global midwifery standards. Its credentialing process, which appears to be self-reported and fee-based, lacks the rigour and oversight expected of legitimate professional accreditation. 

We would like to explicitly state that ICM has absolutely no affiliation with IRM. Unfortunately, our similar website domains, with only one letter’s difference, is misleading and potentially exploitive. This is not a matter of semantics; it is a matter of public trust and safety. Midwifery regulation is not merely symbolic, it protects the public by ensuring that licensed midwives have a minimum level of competencies, meet a set national standard, and are accountable for their work. 

All those seeking credible midwifery services should rely on ICM’s official website (internationalmidwives.org) for authoritative information. When evaluating credentials, always verify accreditation through official, and legally authorised bodies.  

In a profession as vital as midwifery, transparency and integrity are non-negotiable. Be critical of websites and organisations, verify credentials, look for transparent information, and never assume that a .org domain equals authority. The safety of communities and the professional integrity of midwives depend on it.