The Power of Words: In honor of all midwives, Midwifery Today
does not use the term “traditional birth attendant,” or “TBA.”
We do not want to rob anyone who serves birthing women as a
midwife of the title “midwife”—because that is what she or he
really is. The reports in this important area of traditional
midwives are relevant to all of us and do not necessarily fit in
one country. The rights of traditional midwives are being
grossly violated around the world. We offer this topic page for
a foundational understanding and for updates. The article by
Robbie Davis-Floyd will help you understand the basic issues
facing traditional midwives. —Jan Tritten • Anthropological
Perspectives on Global Issues in Midwifery—Robbie Davis-Floyd,
PhD [June 2000] • The Achievements of Traditional
Midwives—Debbie A. Díaz-Ortiz [September 2011] • Who Benefits
from Training Traditional Midwives?—Ann Davenport  • IAM Member
Spotlight: Beatris Caiza, Ecuador [September 2007] • Traditional
Birth Attendant: Does the Name Carry Honor?