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Code of Ethics of the American College of Nurse-Midwives

The Code of Ethics sets forth values, ethical principles, and standards to which professionals aspire and by which their actions can be judged. The purpose of this code is to identify the moral obligations of all certified nurse-midwives and certified midwives inherent in their professional roles. Specifically, midwives are obligated to support and maintain the integrity of the profession of midwifery in order to promote the health and well-being of women and newborns within their families and communities.

Midwives in all aspects of professional relationships will:

1. Respect basic human rights and the dignity of all persons.

2. Respect their own self worth, dignity, and professional integrity.

Midwives in all aspects of their professional practice will:

3. Develop a partnership with the woman in which each shares relevant information that leads to informed decision making, consent to an evolving plan of care, and acceptance of responsibility for the outcomes of their choices.

4. Act without discrimination based on factors such as age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, lifestyle, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, disability, or nature of the health problem.

5. Provide an environment where privacy is protected and in which all pertinent information is shared without bias, coercion, or deception.

6. Maintain confidentiality except where disclosure is mandated by law.

7. Maintain the necessary knowledge, skills, and behaviors needed for competence.

8. Protect women, their families, and colleagues from harmful, unethical, or
incompetent practices by taking appropriate action that may include reporting
as mandated by law.

Midwives as members of a profession will:

9. Promote, advocate for, and strive to protect the rights, health, and well-being of women, families, and communities.

10. Promote just distribution of resources and equity in access to quality health services.

11. Promote and support the education of midwifery students and peers, standards of practice,
research, and policies that enhance the health of women, families, and communities.

Source: Ad Hoc Committee on Code of Ethics
Approved: BOD 1990
Revised: 12/04