Study Warns Global Shortage of Midwives Threatens Maternal and Newborn Care

A global shortage of nearly one million midwives is leaving many pregnant women without essential care, increasing the risk of complications and preventable deaths among mothers and newborns, according to new research reported by The Guardian. The findings highlight significant gaps in maternity services, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Researchers estimate that an additional 980,000 midwives are needed across 181 countries to ensure safe, high-quality care before, during and after pregnancy. Almost half of the shortfall is in Africa, where nine out of ten women live in countries without sufficient midwifery staff. Other regions facing severe shortages include the eastern Mediterranean and the Americas.

The International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) said the lack of midwives places heavy strain on health systems, leading to overworked and underpaid staff and fragmented care. Experts warned that these pressures contribute to higher intervention rates and poorer-quality treatment. Previous studies suggest that universal access to midwife-led care could prevent up to two-thirds of maternal and newborn deaths and stillbirths worldwide.

The study, published in Women and Birth, found that workforce growth is not keeping pace with demand and that shortages are likely to continue beyond 2030. The ICM urged governments to invest in training, employment and retention, arguing that strengthening midwifery services is critical to improving health outcomes and building resilient healthcare systems.