ABSTRACT
Strangely, maternity care was not put into safe hands with China’s changing socio-economic climate. Although it appears to have many initiatives and movements to promote normal labour and birth, the findings of the present study and that of the International Confederation of Midwives’ Gap Analysis Workshop in 2014 show the absence of a clear definition of midwife. In addition, there is still no national register, regulation, university degree education or national midwives association to facilitate the healthy development of midwifery. Official national statistics reveal that 80% of maternity facilities are concentrated in urban areas, but rural maternal outcomes have improved at a faster pace. However, midwifery-led care demonstrates positive health outcomes, and it should have been part of the facility strategy. This indicates a need for national commitment and being accountable for reviewing the quality of care provided to women and children. The mechanisms of national accountability and supervision should be developed. China needs to re-establish midwifery as a profession and as a major workforce component in its maternity care system.
