Announcement: Luc de Bernis Memorial Fund and Midwifery Award

Luc de Bernis was a gynecologist, passionate activist, international advisor on maternal and newborn health and midwifery advocate, who sadly passed away in his native France in April 2024. Early in his career, he realized that midwives, working with other professionals and with women, are often the only healthcare providers available in such challenging situations and as such are key to reducing maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity, as well as the prevention and care of women suffering from obstetric fistula.

To honor his life and work, LucFriends and colleagues of, in collaboration with ICM, have decided to establish a special fund in his name, to recognise and reward midwives who provide care in the most challenging environments.

Recipients of the Luc The Bernis Midwifery Award will be announced at a special meeting in Luc‘s name at the ICM Triennial Congress in Lisbon in June 2026. Donations to the Prize’s Memorial Fund can be made through the WithWomen Charity website, using the button below.

Further details on the process for nominating midwives for the Luc the Bernis Award and details about the Award, such as the criteria for the Award, will be announced on the ICM website in 2025.