The American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM)
is the professional association that represents certified nurse-midwives and
certified midwives in the United States. With roots dating to 1929, ACNM
is the oldest women's health care organization in the United States. ACNM
provides research, administers and promotes continuing education programs,
establishes clinical practice standards, and creates liaisons with state and
federal agencies and members of Congress. Learn more at www.midwife.org.
Advancing the health and well-being of women
and newborns by setting the standard for midwifery excellence.
ACNM works to establish midwifery as the
standard of care for women. We lead the profession through education, clinical
practice, research, and advocacy.
Excellence
ACNM values excellence in midwifery education, clinical practice, and research.
We are committed to upholding the highest clinical and ethical standards, professional
responsibility, accountability, and integrity.Evidence-Based Care
ACNM evaluates, publishes, and showcases
scientific evidence to improve professional practice. We are committed to
upholding the most rigorous clinical practice standards in the midwifery
profession and applying this knowledge and clinical expertise to help women
make the best health decisions. We strongly support the use of quality
measurement to improve care.
Formal Education
ACNM promotes certification of midwives based
on completion of nationally recognized, accredited midwifery education programs
in accordance with the International Confederation of Midwives global standards
for education. We support interprofessional education of midwives with other
health professionals to improve maternity care and women’s health services.
Inclusiveness
ACNM celebrates and supports a diverse
midwifery profession. ACNM embraces those prepared dually in nursing and
midwifery and those prepared directly in midwifery.
Woman-Centered Care
The woman is at the core of our practice. ACNM
and its members respect a woman’s lifecycle events. We approach life events,
such as puberty, birth, and menopause, as physiologic transitions that are best
supported by education and midwifery expertise.
Primary Care
ACNM members provide primary and maternity
care services to help women of all ages and their newborns attain, regain, and
maintain health. We emphasize health promotion and education, disease
prevention, and informed decision-making.
Partnership
Our members build partnerships with women and
their families by listening and providing information, guidance, and counseling
in a shared decision-making process. We partner with other members of the
health care team through collaboration and referral to provide optimal care and
to advance the integration of midwifery care into the health care system.
Advocacy
ACNM amplifies women’s voices on health
issues. We advocate on behalf of women and families, our members, and the
midwifery profession to eliminate health disparities and increase access to
evidence-based, quality care. This includes the promotion of standards for
entry to practice and continuing competency; funding for education and
reimbursement for services; and increasing the visibility and recognition of
the value of midwifery care.
Global Outreach
ACNM promotes the profession of midwifery
globally. We foster quality and innovation in midwifery education and support
the strengthening of the profession worldwide through education, regulation,
and association-building as keys to improving maternal and newborn health.
