AMERICAN COLLEGE OF NURSE MIDWIVES: Philosophy
Certified nurse-midwives believe that every individual has a right to safe, satisfying health care with respect for human dignity and cultural variations. ACNM further supports each person's right to self-determination, to complete information and to active participation in all aspects of care. ACNM members believe the normal process of pregnancy and birth can be enhanced through education, health care and supportive intervention.
Nurse-midwifery is focused on the needs of the individual and family for physical care, emotional and social support and active involvement of significant others according to cultural values and personal preferences. The practice of nurse-midwifery encourages continuity of care; emphasizes safe, competent clinical management; advocates non-intervention in normal processes; and promotes health education for women throughout the childbearing cycle. This practice may extend to include gynecological care of women throughout the life cycle. Such comprehensive health care is most effectively and efficiently provided by nurse-midwives in collaboration with other members of an interdependent health care team.
ACNM assumes a leadership role in the development and promotion of high quality health care for women and infants both nationally and internationally. The profession of nurse-midwifery is committed to ensuring that certified nusre-midwives are provided with sound educational preparation, to expanding knowledge through research and to evaluating and revising care through quality assurance. The profession further ensures that its members adhere to the Standards of Practice for Nurse-Midwifery in accordance with the ACNM philosophy. Revised and approved, October 1989
AMERICAN COLLEGE OF NURSE-MIDWIVES: Code of Ethics
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.
Source: Ad Hoc Committee on Code of Ethics Approved by Board of Directors May 18, 1990
©Copyright 1997, The American College of Nurse-Midwives
Send Feedback to: 
