Part four: Health professions

The provisions of this Code of Ethics apply to midwives registered on the roll of the Association, to midwives performing a professional act under the conditions laid down in Article L. 4112-7 and to the student midwives referred to in Article L. 4151-6.

Midwives carry out their duties with respect for life and the human person. It is their duty to assist the competent authorities in their efforts to protect health.

All midwives are bound by professional secrecy in the interests of patients, in accordance with the conditions laid down by law. Secrecy covers everything that comes to the knowledge of the midwife in the exercise of her profession, i.e. not only what has been entrusted to her, but also what she has seen, heard or understood. The midwife must ensure that those assisting her in her work are instructed in…

Midwives have an obligation to maintain and improve their professional knowledge, in accordance with the obligation of continuing professional development provided for in articles L. 4153-1 and L. 4153-2. As part of their professional practice, midwives have a duty to contribute to the training of student midwives and their peers.