Clarification Regarding the Recent Statement Issued by the International Confederation of Midwives

We are aware of the recent notice published by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) regarding the use of similar domain names and clarification of organizational roles. For transparency, the ICM’s full statement can be read here

The International Registry of Midwives (IRM) has no affiliation with the International Confederation of Midwives. While our names are similar, we are entirely separate organizations and do not claim endorsement, partnership, or representation through ICM. We respect ICM’s role as a global association of national midwifery organizations.

ICM has correctly noted that it is not a credentialing organization and does not register, license, or certify individual midwives. IRM was established specifically as an independent credentialing body to assess individual competency through structured educational requirements, clinical standards, documentation review, examinations, and audit pathways.

The Certified International Midwife (CIM) credential is a voluntary professional certification and does not itself grant licensure or legal authority to practice.

Across different countries, governmental authorities have taken varying approaches to the CIM credential. In some regions, the CIM is accepted directly toward licensure or formal recognition. In others, regulatory bodies conduct detailed equivalency reviews comparing CIM standards to national requirements before granting approval. All licensure decisions remain solely under the authority of government and regulatory agencies, and IRM does not imply or guarantee recognition in any jurisdiction.

In addition, multiple midwifery education programs internationally incorporate the CIM credential into graduation or post-graduate competency pathways, and legislative efforts are underway in several regions to formally include the credential within regulatory frameworks.

Many CIM credential holders serve in humanitarian, low-resource, underserved, and disaster-response settings. The credential is widely pursued by midwives training in countries without formal certification systems, or by those seeking advanced preparation in low-resource and crisis environments as an added demonstration of competency.

We believe the global midwifery profession is strengthened by a transparent ecosystem that includes both professional associations that set standards and independent credentialing organizations that assess individual competency. These roles are distinct yet complementary.

Strong professions thrive through diverse, competency-based pathways rather than reliance on a single credentialing or governing structure. Around the world, over-centralization of credentials can unintentionally limit workforce growth and access to skilled and compassionate care, particularly in underserved communities. 

IRM supports a collaborative global landscape in which many reputable credentialing organizations can coexist, innovate, and serve different community needs while maintaining high standards of care. Expanding access to rigorous credentialing pathways strengthens the midwifery workforce and improves maternal and newborn outcomes worldwide.

We respect the International Confederation of Midwives and appreciate their clarification regarding their organizational role.

IRM likewise affirms its independent mission and governance.

For further questions about IRM or the CIM credential, we welcome direct communication to ensure accurate information is shared openly.

— International Registry of Midwives