Midwives Save Lives

Heads of States and Governments/ World leaders

As midwives, we have seen first hand how crucial it is that a woman has expert care when she gives birth. We know the dangers women face if they experience complications that mean childbirth can be life-threatening for mothers and babies. There are not enough midwives in the world, and this global shortage means millions of women risk their lives and that of their babies each year by going through pregnancy and childbirth without expert midwifery care.

Thousands of mothers and newborn babies die every day because of this critical shortage of midwives. This cannot be allowed to continue any longer.

We know what's needed. More midwives means more lives saved. If births were routinely attended by midwives or health workers with midwifery skills, with the right equipment and the right support, the lives of 1.3 million newborn babies and 350,000 mothers would be saved every year. The world needs more midwives and more health workers with midwifery skills in the right places, at the right time, with the right education, the right support and the right pay.

We call on you to show bold leadership and put midwives and other health workers at the heart of your efforts to improve the health of mothers and their children. When world leaders meet at the UN General Assembly this September to measure progress on the global strategy for women and children’s health, we urge you to take action and strengthen or increase your commitment to the education, recruitment and retention of midwives and health workers. By making and implementing these ambitious commitments, you can help end this needless loss of life.