of Ethics Online Collection: None
Certified Nurse-Midwives
A Certified Nurse-Midwife has professional moral obligations. The purpose
of this code is to identify obligations which guide the nurse-midwife
in the practice of nurse-midwifery. This code further serves to clarify
the expectations of the profession to consumers, the public, other professionals
and to potential practitioners.
1. Nurse-midwifery exists for the good of women and their families. This good
is safeguarded by practice in accordance with the ACNM Philosophy and ACNM
Standards for the Practice of Nurse-Midwifery.
2. Nurse-midwives uphold the belief that childbearing and maturation are normal
life processes. When intervention is indicated, it is integrated into care
in a way that preserves the dignity of the woman and her family.
3. Decisions regarding nurse-midwifery care require client participation in
an ongoing negotiation process in order to develop a safe plan of care. This
process considers cultural diversity, individual autonomy, and legal responsibilities.
4. Nurse-midwives share professional information with their clients that leads
to informed participation and consent. This sharing is done without coercion,
or deception.
5. Nurse-midwives practice competently. They consult and refer when indicated
by their professional scope of practice and/or personal limitations.
6. Nurse-midwives provide care without discrimination based on race, religion,
life-style, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or nature of health problem.
7. Nurse-midwives maintain confidentiality except when there is a clear, serious
and immediate danger or when mandated by law.
8. Nurse-midwives take appropriate action to protect clients from harm when
endangered by incompetent or unethical practices.
9. Nurse-midwives interact respectfully with the people with whom they work
and practice.
10. Nurse-midwives participate in developing and improving the care of women
and families through supporting the profession of nurse-midwifery, research,
and the education of nurse-midwifery students and nurse-midwives.
11. Nurse-midwives promote community, state, and national efforts such as public
education and legislation, to ensure access to quality care and to meet the
health needs of women and their families.
