The Midwifery Partnership with Women

Statement of belief

The International Confederation of Midwives acknowledges that midwifery is a profession which is based upon a partnership between women and midwives.

Policy

The International Confederation of Midwives will take every opportunity to work with groups representing the interests of women at international and national level to achieve worldwide equitable reproductive health outcomes. All initiatives undertaken to aid the further development of the midwifery profession will be premised on

· the health care needs of women and their newborn

· the involvement of women in the process of identification of those needs

· encouraging midwives to proactively have women, as the consumers of midwifery care, participate in the activities directed at the provision of quality care

· encouraging midwives’ associations to involve women and consumers in their activities.

Guiding Statement to Member Associations

Member Associations are urged to accept this statement for action in their own environment.

Supersedes ICM Statement:

The Midwifery Partnership and Women 93/18

Adopted by the International Confederation of Midwives Council, Manila, May 1999.

Date for review: 2005