French-speaking Africa and translation: From midwifery to maïeutique?

In the French version of The Lancet Series (2014) midwifery has been translated as maïeutique. Likewise, the term maïeuticien has recently been introduced in some countries to name (male) midwives. This change of terminology has not been the subject of broad stakeholder consultation. The aim of this study is to explore the opinion of African midwives on the use of the terminologies pratique de sage-femme/maïeutique (midwifery) and sage-femme/maïeuticien (midwife).

A quantitative study was conducted using an online survey among members of francophone professional midwifery associations in 17 French-speaking African countries.

From 140 invited midwives, 82 responses were received. The respondents represented 12 francophone African countries. Respondents obviously prefer the terms pratique de sage-femme and sage-femme above maïeutique and maïeuticien. The sage-femme is acknowledged and deeply rooted in African society. Midwifery is comprehensive, while maïeutique does not describe the full scope of midwifery. Though, some respondents believe that maïeutique has the potential to differentiate sages-femmes from other health professionals, can diminishing role ambiguity, and value midwifery practice. Respondents in favor of the term maïeutique are referring to the modernization of the midwifery profession and its scientific evolution.

Internationally, midwives closely follow the developments on the linguistic subject of maïeutique. The results of this study may support current discussion about the evolution and modernization of terminology in the francophone community worldwide. Midwives need to be actively involved in these discussions. Nevertheless, at all times we need to be cautious not to break away from midwives' cherished historical, social, and cultural roots.