Code of Ethics

Code of Ethics

Responsibilities to the woman

Midwives work in partnership with the woman
Midwives accept the right of each woman to control her pregnancy and birthing experience
Midwives accept that the woman is responsible for decisions that affect herself, her baby and her family/whānau
Midwives uphold each woman’s right to free, informed choice and consent throughout her childbirth experience
Midwives respond to the social, psychological, physical, emotional, spiritual and cultural needs of women seeking midwifery care, whatever their circumstances, and facilitate opportunities for their expression
Midwives respect the importance of others in the woman’s life
Midwives hold information in confidence in order to protect the woman’s right to privacy. Confidential information should be shared with others only with the informed consent of the woman, unless otherwise permitted or required by law
Midwives are accountable to women for their midwifery practice
Midwives have a responsibility not to interfere with the normal process of pregnancy and childbirth
Midwives have a responsibility to ensure that no action or omission on their part places the woman at risk
Midwives have a professional responsibility to refer to others when they have reached the limit of their expertise
Midwives have a responsibility to be true to their own value system and professional judgements. However, midwives’ personal beliefs should not deprive any woman of essential health care.

Responsibilities to the wider community

Midwives recognise Māori as tangata whenua of Aotearoa and honour the principles of partnership, protection and participation as an affirmation of the Treaty of Waitangi
Midwives encourage public participation in the shaping of social policies and institutions
Midwives advocate policies and legislation that promote social justice, improved social conditions and a fairer sharing of the community’s resources
Midwives acknowledge the role and expertise of community groups in providing care and support for childbearing women
Midwives act as effective role models in health promotion for women, families and other health professionals.

Responsibilities to colleagues and the profession

Midwives support and sustain each other in their professional roles and actively nurture their own and others’ sense of self-worth
Midwives actively seek personal, intellectual and professional growth throughout their career, integrating this into their practice.
Midwives are responsible for sharing their midwifery knowledge with others
Midwives are autonomous practitioners regardless of the setting and are accountable to the woman and the midwifery profession for their midwifery practice
Midwives have a responsibility to uphold their professional standards and avoid compromise just for reasons of personal or institutional expedience
Midwives acknowledge the role and expertise of other health professionals providing care and support for childbearing women.
Midwives take appropriate action if an act by colleagues infringes accepted standards of care
Midwives ensure that the advancement of midwifery knowledge is based on activities that protect the rights of women.
Midwives develop and share midwifery knowledge through a variety of processes such as midwifery standards review and research
Midwives participate in education of midwifery students and other midwives
Midwives adhere to professional rather than commercial standards in making known the availability of their services.

References:

• International Confederation of Midwives Code of Ethics, May 1999.

• New Zealand College of Midwives Standards of Practice, Service and Education 1988, 1990, 1993, 2002, 2005

• Principles and Guidelines for Informed Choice and Consent, Department of Health 1991.

• Informed Consent and Decision Making, New Zealand College of Midwives Consensus Statement 2000.

• Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights Wellington, 1996.

Location http://www.midwife.org.nz/index.cfm/1,179,530,0,html