MIDWIFERY ETHICS

Midwifery Ethics

it is a system of principle governing conduct of midwives.

Midwifery Ethics

it connotes the conduct or behavior of midwifery practitioners, which by reason of public approval or practice of the group, has become customary among practicing midwives.

• Midwifery Relationships

• Midwifery Practice

• Midwifery Knowledge

• Midwifery Leadership

The Code's 4 Domain

Midwifery Relationships

Statements that describe how midwives relate to others, including women and their newborns, as well as midwife colleagues, other healthcare professionals, students and, themselves.

Midwifery Practice

Statements that describe midwives responsibilities for maintaining competence and safeguard human rights.

Midwifery Knowledge

Statements that describe how midwives generate, maintain, contribute, and share midwifery knowledge

Midwifery Leadership

Statements that describe the responsibilities of midwives at all levels of leadership in representing and advancing the profession, and in advocating for the rights of women and marginalised communities.

Section I

The primary objective of the midwifery profession is for Its members to render service within the scope of their legitimate functions, having in mind that their patients, regardless of religion, social or economic status, deserve respect as human beings.

Section I

A midwife should endeavor to deserve the confidence of the patients under her care by rendering to each of them dedicated and selfless service to the full extent of her skill and competence

Section II

A midwife should try her best to continually improve her knowledge & skill the benefit of her patients and to share with her co-practitioners any valuable practical knowledge that she may have gained by experience in the practice of her profession.

Section III

A midwife is expected to practice on a scientific basis and to desist in the performance of any midwifery procedure which is of doubtful or questionable propriety from the standpoint of medical or scientific principles.

Section IV

The midwifery profession should contribute to the safeguarding of publi health and should protect itself against the admission into its membership midwives who are deficient in professional competence and requisite moral character.

Section IV

It is incumbent upon every midwifery practitioner to observe the law, to uphold the honor and dignity of her profession, and to adhere faithfully to professional discipline.

Section IV

It is the professional duty of every midwife to bring to the attention of the proper authority, through legitimate procedures, the illegal or unethical conduct of any co-member of the midwifery profession, without bias or personal animosity, but solely for the maintenance of the good name of the profession as well as public interest and welfare.

Section V

A midwife who has accepted a patient under her care should render servis the patient the best of her ability. She should not neglect the patient under any circumstance within her control

Section VI

A midwife should not compromise her services to the patients under terms or conditions which would impair the quality of patients-care.

Section VII

In the practice of midwifery, a midwife must confine the source of her income to the midwifery services she has actually rendered.

Section VII

Her fees should be commensurate with the services performed and, if need be, with the patient's ability to pay

Section VII

It is highly improper for a midwifery practitioner to pay or receive a commission for referral of patients made to or by her

Section VIll

A midwifes- legitimate functions cover performance of midwifery services only to normal pregnant women and normal newborn infants.

Section VIll

Accordingly, in a doubtful or difficult case, she should seek consultation or refer such case to a qualified obstetrician or physician.

Section VIll

She should not persist in handling the case and thereby hisk lability for any injury that may arise

Section IX

A midwife is bound by professional ethics not to reveal any information given by her patient in the course of the patients- care or treatment, whether such information is addressed to her or to the attending physician, unless under the law she is required to testify on such information to serve the ends of justice

Section X

The ideals of service envisioned by the midwifery profession call for a dedication of the midwifes- capabilities not only individual but also to the community in which she practices to the end that she may be able to contribute to the improvement of the health of her patients and to the health and well-being of her community

Section XI

A midwife should participate in research activities or in any effort of the midwifery profession to improve midwifery training and practice, and to take part in establishing and maintaining conditions of employment conducive to high-quality maternity and infant care

Section XII

As a member of the health team, a midwife should work with interest and concern, together with other members of the health team, in promoting efforts to meet the health needs of the public.

June 23, 2003

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 220

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 220

Code of Good Governance for the Professions in the Philippines.

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 220

This code is adopted by the PRC and the 42 Professional Regulatory Board to cover an environment of good governance in which all Filipino professionals shall perfor their tasks.

Professionals are required not only to have an ethical commitment, a personal resolve to act ethically, but also have both ethical awareness and ethical competency

General Principle of Professional Conduct

Ethical Awareness

refers to the ability to discern between right and wrong

Ethical Competency

pertains to the ability to engage in sound moral reasoning and consider carefully the implications of alternative actions.