A Direction for Nurse-Midwife's Expanded Roles for Women's Health in the New Millenium

새천년의 여성건강을 위한 조산사의 역할 확대 방향

The purpose of this study was to figure out a direction for midwifes' expanded roles for integrative woman's health care focused on health promotion & maintenance and primary prevention of women's health disorders including family health in the new millenium as a primary women's health practitioner. Data sources used for analysis were the book published from International Confederation of Midwives including role, code, situation and others from the international aspects : the empirical data from direct contact by participation in the ICM held in Manila, Philipine, May 22-26, 1999 : and documentation of Korean Midwives Association. Historical and current changing perspectives toward woman's health & nurse-midwifery and the reality women's health & nurse-midwifery and the reality of expand role that should be acquired toward the new millenium are discussed. In conclusion, Nurse-midwives are the very primary women's health care providers who can provide not only the exact needs of women who have health related problems, which are developed in the unique socio-cultural context women are belonged to, but also reproductive affairs including labor and delivery as it was midwive's traditional role, not just as practitioner, educator, counselor but conscious raiser for women's right. Futhermore, for this, thorough preparation through various kind of active and contemplated approach such as remodeling roles and education and continuing education system, training for high skilled & technical action, making laws and policy, and others is absolutely required.