Revised version adopted by the International Confederation of Midwives Council, Vienna, Austria, April 2002
RATIONALE
The care of women post abortion is an integral part of the role of the midwife as defined in the International Definition of the Midwife (ICM/WHO/FIGO, 1992).
STATEMENT OF BELIEF
The International Confederation of Midwives believes that a woman, who has had an abortion, whether spontaneous or induced, is entitled to receive midwifery care.
In keeping with this belief the midwife should:
Consider such care to be within the role of the midwife
Provide any immediate care and counselling following abortion
Appropriately refer the woman for any further treatment that may be required and which is beyond the scope of midwifery practice
Provide the woman (and where appropriate her family) with education concerning the woman's future health, including family planning
Recognise the emotional, psychological and social support which may be needed by the woman and respond appropriately
POLICY
Education of midwives should include the care of women following abortion
GUIDING STATEMENT FOR MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS
Member associations are urged to:
Seek to influence the training/ education of midwives to ensure that they have the knowledge and skills to care for women post abortion
Adopted by the International Confederation of Midwives Council, Oslo, May 1996.
Revised version adopted by the International Confederation of Midwives Council, Vienna, Austria, April 2002
home
up