Abstract:

As midwifery and nursing professions are the first and only point of care for the populations, the World Health Organization has determined the year 2020 as the International Year of Midwives and Nurses. During critical periods such as pregnancy, delivery and postpartum, midwives are in the center to protect the health of women and newborns. Midwifes also play an important role in providing access to contraception and other reproductive health services for women. The World Health Organization estimates that 83% of all maternal deaths, stillbirths and newborn deaths can be prevented by midwifery care programs. However, in the battle of COVID-19 management, maternal and neonatal healthcare have become less of a priority in some countries. It is observed that there is an increase in gender discrimination, domestic violence, and violations of human rights during the pandemic process. The purpose of this review is to provide suggestions on what is needed to ensure the maintenance of midwifery care quality along with the changes in the midwifery profession during the pandemic process.

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