Code of Ethics

Each midwife shall act, at all times, in such a manner as to justify public trust and confidence, to uphold and enhance the good standing and reputation of the profession, to serve the interests of society and, above all, to safeguard the interests of individual clients.

Each midwife is accountable for her practice and, in the exercise of professional accountability, shall:

1. Act in such a way as to promote and safeguard the well-being of clients, advocating for their interests.
2. Respect birth as a natural life process and refrain from interfering in that process.
3. Care for women to the best of her ability without prejudice on the basis of age, race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, mental or physical abilities, or socio-economic background.
4. Clearly inform and educate clients and the public as to the philosophy, role, function and standards of midwifery practice.
5. Clearly inform clients and other health care practitioners of the scope and limitations of midwifery practice.
6. Respect clients' right to informed choice and acknowledge their individual needs, values and dignity.
7. Avoid any abuse of the information gained due to the privileged relationship which exists with clients.
8. Refrain from disclosing confidential information obtained in the course of professional practice without the consent of clients or persons entitled to act on their behalf, except where disclosure is required by law or by the order of the court.
9. Within her sphere of influence, ensure that no action or omission on her part is detrimental to the interests, condition or safety of clients.
   
10. Refrain from the practice of midwifery while her ability to perform any professional service is impaired.
11. Make known to an appropriate person or authority where it appears that the ability of a colleague to maintain standards of practice appears to be in jeopardy.
12. Openly acknowledge to clients and other health care practitioners any conscientious objection or conflict of interest which may affect the clients' right to informed choice or access to care.
13. Recognize and accept that loss may be a part of pregnancy and birth and, in doing so, support the client and her family in dealing with this loss according to their individual needs.
14. Not refuse to attend a client in the course of labour.
15. Make known to any appropriate person or authority, any physical, psychological, or social condition that could place the client in jeopardy.
16. Refuse to accept any gift, favour or hospitality which might be interpreted as either professional endorsement or a commercial product or which might be interpreted as providing preferential treatment or consideration to the client.
17. Ensure that her professional status is not used in the promotion of commercial products or services; declare any financial or other interests in relevant organizations providing such goods or services; and ensure that her professional judgement is not influenced by commercial considerations.