The first official celebration of the International Day of the Midwife in the people's Republic of China.

• Author: Jing, Zhang

The International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) has designated 5 May as the 'International Day of the Midwife (IDM)' since1992. Midwives in the world have celebrated it for 16 years. However, it is even more a special day this year for Chinese midwives because they have, for the first time, obtained officials' approval and support to organise their own celebration.

The theme for the event was 'The world needs midwives now more than ever'. The event symbolised the progression of Chinese Midwifery and highlighted the recognition of its importance from Chinese Authority.

At present, midwifery in China is not an independent profession, nor can Chinese midwives work to their full potential because of the lack of adequate recognition and legislation. Since 1996, midwifery in mainland China has been marginalised by medicine and nursing; few people understand the meaning and role of a midwife, let alone the International Day...