International Day of the Midwife2026 · Date · History · Messages
ICM and UNFPA material support annual 5 May recurrence and ICM establishment of the observance in 1992.
About International Day of the Midwife
International Day of the Midwife is held annually on 5 May. The International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) leads the global observance, which recognizes the work of midwives and the role of midwifery in health systems.
UNFPA material states that ICM formally launched the initiative in 1992, and UNFPA records a first commemoration on 5 May 1992.
Why International Day of the Midwife matters
The day highlights midwifery as a health profession and the care midwives provide before, during and after birth, within the scope permitted by their training and local regulation.
This guide is general information only. Pregnancy, birth, newborn or reproductive-health concerns require individualized care from qualified professionals and appropriate local health services.
History of International Day of the Midwife
UNFPA states that ICM developed the idea following discussions among midwives’ associations in the late 1980s and formally launched the initiative in 1992.
UNFPA records the first commemoration on 5 May 1992.
ICM continues to organize the annual 5 May observance and publishes themes and campaign material.
How the observance developed
This timeline uses documented milestones from reviewed sources. Missing stages are left out rather than guessed.
International Confederation of Midwives (ICM)
UNFPA states that ICM developed the idea following suggestions and discussion among midwives’ associations and formally launched it in 1992.
International Confederation of Midwives (ICM)
UNFPA states that ICM established/formally launched the International Day of the Midwife in 1992.
First documented observance
UNFPA material states that the day was first commemorated on 5 May 1992.
International Confederation of Midwives (ICM)
ICM continues to lead the annual 5 May observance and publishes current themes and campaign material.
What the evidence establishes
Confirmed institutional roles and milestones are shown first. Details that could not be established from the reviewed sources are listed separately below.
5 fields not established in reviewed sources
How to Observe International Day of the Midwife
Read the current ICM International Day of the Midwife theme and supporting material.
Learn how midwifery education, licensing and scope of practice work in your jurisdiction.
Thank a midwife or midwifery team for their professional work.
Use reputable health sources when learning about pregnancy, birth and postpartum care.
For personal health questions, contact qualified maternity or reproductive-health services rather than relying on awareness-day material.
International Day of the Midwife Facts
International Day of the Midwife is observed on 5 May each year.
ICM is the principal international organization associated with the observance.
UNFPA states that ICM formally launched the initiative in 1992.
UNFPA records a first commemoration on 5 May 1992.
Midwifery scope and regulation vary by country and health system.
Awareness content does not replace individualized medical care.
International Day of the Midwife Messages
Happy International Day of the Midwife to midwives and the teams who support safe, respectful care.
Marking 5 May with appreciation for midwives and the communities they serve.
International Day of the Midwife is a chance to recognize professional care, education and teamwork.
Wishing midwives around the world a meaningful International Day of the Midwife.
Topic and context
What this page does not assume
- Keep the source-defined country, community, organizer or institutional scope; do not silently broaden it.
- Do not treat the title alone as proof of government recognition or public-holiday status.
- Do not add a creator, founding story or origin claim unless the supporting evidence establishes it.
Evidence & sources
Sources used across the guide are gathered here. Labels show how each source supports the page, and contextual references are kept separate from primary evidence.
UNFPA Afghanistan — International Day of the Midwife 2016 (opens in a new tab)
UNFPA Asia and the Pacific — International Day of the Midwife (opens in a new tab)
Un Institution History
International Confederation of Midwives — International Day of the Midwife 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Organizer Current Page
Understand it, compare it, then explore further
Start with the most common factual questions, then compare closely related observances and explore useful connections.
Frequently asked questions
When is International Day of the Midwife?
5 May The documented recurrence rule is: 5 May.
Does International Day of the Midwife fall on the same date every year?
Yes. It uses a fixed annual date unless stronger evidence changes the pattern.
Is International Day of the Midwife an official public holiday?
The reviewed sources verify it within this scope: international professional and health-workforce observance. That recognition does not by itself make it a statutory public holiday; the site only makes public-holiday claims when reliable evidence explicitly does so.
Who established or recognizes International Day of the Midwife?
The reviewed sources identify International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) as the proclaiming or establishing body. Current facilitation or coordination is recorded as International Confederation of Midwives (ICM).
Is International Day of the Midwife international or country-specific?
The documented scope is international or global: international professional and health-workforce observance. That does not mean every country treats the date as a public holiday or observes it in the same way.
How is this page verified?
The factual information is checked against reviewed sources, including the date pattern, scope and institutional history. This page was checked on 2026-10-02.
When is International Day of the Midwife?
It is held every year on 5 May.
Who established the observance?
UNFPA states that the International Confederation of Midwives formally launched the initiative in 1992.
When was it first commemorated?
UNFPA records a first commemoration on 5 May 1992.
Does this page give pregnancy or birth advice?
No. It provides general awareness information; individual care decisions should be made with qualified health professionals.
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