Authored by the nurse-midwives who care for women having their babies in the Family Birthing center at Ben Taub General Hospital, Houston, Texas.

June, 2002

Clients and their families deserve safe and satisfying health care that respects human dignity. Each person is unique; therefore, health care should reflect an understanding of the social, political and cultural characteristics of the client and her family.


Women have the privilege of choosing health care that encourages active participation, involves significant others, collaborates with other disciplines and assures patient satisfaction.


Nurse-midwifery practice focuses on health promotion and stresses public and patient education. This information should be current and based on scientific evidence.


Nurse-midwives provide comprehensive care to women and their families. This care is best when it is multidiscipinary in nature and recognizes that commonalities exist among health professions. Their genesis in basic sciences is unifying and fosters collegiality.


Nurse-midwives respect, support and promote normal life processes while recognizing that deviations from normal do occur. When deviations occur, nurse-midwives embrace a multidisciplinary team concept to provide optimal health care for women and their families.


Participating in and fostering the education of nurse-midwives, physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals is an essential part of our mission. Educators teach best when they are active in clinical practice. Learning is facilitated when it is self-motivated, self-directed, reality based and interdisciplinary. Nurse-midwifery practice will increase only as we participate in the research process and utilize research findings to promote evidence based practice.


The growth of nurse-midwifery depends on the personal and professional commitment of its members. Nurse-midwives realize that change is incremental and that every interaction provides an opportunity to honor and empower women.