About the American College of
Nurse-Midwives (ACNM)
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. Our VisionAdvancing the health and well-being of women and newborns by setting the standard for midwifery excellence. Our MissionACNM works to establish midwifery as the standard of care for women. We lead the profession through education, clinical practice, research, and advocacy. Our Core ValuesExcellence 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 EducationACNM 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. InclusivenessACNM 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. AdvocacyACNM 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.
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