This research paper will address the development of midwifery as a profession. The introduction will discuss the definition of midwifery and profession, and an overview of the profession. The development of the midwifery profession will then be presented to include: U.S. historical roots and European antecedents; the importance of education in competency and practice; additional cultural, social, legal, political, and economic influences; ACNM actions and results; and current challenges that nurse-midwives face.
Profession is defined by the Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 10th edition, as "A calling requiring specialized knowledge and often long and intensive academic preparation" (cited by Kraus, 1997). In 1990, The International Confederation of Midwives adopted the following definition of Midwife:
A person who, having been regularly admitted to a midwifery educational programme, duly recognized in the country in which it is located, has successfully completed the prescribed course of studies in midwifery and has acquired the requisite qualifications to be registered and/or legally licensed to practice midwifery (Kraus, Editorial).
The Board of Directors of the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) complies with this definition. The definition of midwife is distinguished from the following definition of Traditional Birth Attendant (TBA), which was published by the World Health Organization in 1992:
A person who assists the mother during childbirth and initially acquired her skills by delivering babies herself or through apprenticeship to other traditional birth attendants (Kraus, Editorial).
Kraus further points out that these clear definitions alleviate confusion that exists regarding the many terms used to describe this profession. A midwife does not have to be a nurse, however, midwifery education must require or grant a baccalaureate degree. A certified nurse-midwife (CNM) as one who is ...