Jul 24, 2020
"International Confederation of Midwives
(ICM) has connected with the majority of its 143 midwives’
associations in all regions of the world and accounts from the
midwives working on the front lines during this pandemic are
harrowing, unveiling an increase in gender discrimination, domestic
violence, human rights abuses, the over-medicalization of birth and
fear and misinformation, all culminating in growing distress among
women and midwives. These findings are echoed by World Health
Organization staff in country offices globally.
As a result of communication with
midwives, ICM released a Joint Statement with United Nations
Population Fund (UNFPA) calling for governments, decision makers,
donors and health institutions to ensure the protection of
midwives, women and newborns during the COVID-19
pandemic."