Core Document

Professional Framework for Midwifery (2021)

Enabling Environment
ICM
Last Edited 5 January 2024 14:45 CET
Midwife Talita Oseguera performs a general check up with Lacee Rodgers who is 32 weeks pregnant at Choices clinic. Memphis, Tennessee, USA.

Drawing on years of conversations and collaborations, we have developed a new and improved professional framework for midwifery to reflect the evolution of our profession and better represent midwifery as it exists today.

Why do we need a professional framework?

Every profession needs a structure to support it, strengthen it and guide its development. In most cases, this structure is known as a professional framework and is made up of all the elements required before an occupation can be considered a profession.

As a unique health profession, midwifery has a unique professional framework. Other professions, such as nursing or teaching, have their own frameworks that are specific to the work they do. The ICM professional framework for midwifery acts as an informative and guiding tool for ICM, its members, partners and stakeholders.

What are the elements of the updated professional framework for midwifery?

  1. Midwifery Philosophy
  2. Essential Competencies for Midwifery
  3. Education
  4. Regulation
  5. Association
  6. Research
  7. Midwife-Led continuity of care model of practice
  8. Leadership
  9. Enabling environment
  10. Commitment to Gender Equality and Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The elements of the updated professional framework for midwifery are deeply interwoven and entirely interdependent. This means that by strengthening one we can strengthen all others, just as destabilising one destabilises them all.