NMC celebrates International Day of the Midwife 2026
Published on 05 May 2026
Today – on the International Day of the Midwife – the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) celebrates the thousands of midwives who provide safe, equitable care for women, babies and families across the four countries of the UK.
Paul Rees MBE, Chief Executive and Registrar, said:
“The role of the midwife in our society is so important.
“Every day, there are thousands of midwives across the four countries of the UK who work with passion, dedication and commitment to support mothers and families at their most joyful and vulnerable moments.
“Each pregnancy is unique, and midwives are there for all of it – often under incredible pressure, in the most challenging circumstances.
“The skill, compassion and dedication it takes to do that work day in, day out, is something I find genuinely humbling.
“That’s why, on this International Day of the Midwife, I want to recognise those midwives on the NMC register who do their utmost to provide safe, equitable care every day.
“I've had the privilege of meeting many such midwives since joining the NMC and always been struck by their devotion to their work.
“Today is your day – and I hope you get the chance to pause and reflect on the immeasurable difference that the best midwifery care makes for people.
“At the NMC, we owe it to midwives, and everyone who receives midwifery care, to be a strong and independent regulator – working with the profession to uphold standards and inspire public confidence.”
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