Table 3 Characteristics of midwifery regulation, by region
Countdown countries in | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
All countries | Sub-Saharan Africa | Eastern Mediterranean | South-East Asia | Western Pacific | Americas | Europe | |
(n = 73) | (n = 41) | (n = 9) | (n = 6) | (n = 6) | (n = 6) | (n = 5) | |
Regulation | n (%) | n (%) | n (%) | n (%) | n (%) | n (%) | n (%) |
Legislation recognising midwifery as an autonomous profession | 38 (52) | 18 (44) | 4 (44) | 5 (83) | 6 (100) | 2 (33) | 3 (60) |
A recognised definition of a professional midwife exists | 57 (78) | 35 (85) | 6 (67) | 4 (67) | 3 (50) | 4 (67) | 5 (100) |
A government body regulates midwifery practice | 67 (92) | 38 (93) | 8 (89) | 6 (100) | 5 (83) | 5 (83) | 5 (100) |
A licence is required to practise midwifery | 33 (45) | 20 (49) | 4 (44) | 5 (83) | 0 | 3 (50) | 1 (20) |
A live register of licensed midwives exists | 37 (51) | 23 (56) | 5 (56) | 4 (67) | 2 (33) | 1 (17) | 2 (40) |