Professional Ethics, Law and Midwifery Scope of Practice
This domain tests safe, lawful and respectful practice within the midwife's authorised scope.
Core rules
- Obtain informed consent before examination, procedure, contraception or disclosure of information.
- Keep confidences; share information only with the care team or when required by law and with the woman's knowledge.
- Practise only procedures for which you are trained and authorised: normal birth, ANC, postpartum and newborn care, family planning, and abortion care where certified. Refer caesarean section, forceps, vacuum and complicated cases.
- Document objectively and contemporaneously: times, observations, advice given and referrals made.
- Respect adolescents and unmarried women; do not refuse lawful care or disclose without consent.
Worked example
A 16-year-old asks for contraception. Reasoning: she can receive confidential counselling and a method if she is competent to consent under national guidance; assess understanding, discuss confidentiality and safety, and provide care without involving relatives against her wishes. Document the counselling and method chosen.
Traps
- Practising outside scope because 'no doctor is available'.
- Breaching confidentiality in the community.
- Falsifying a partograph or referral note.
- Refusing abortion or contraception on personal grounds without referral.