The International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA) as a professional organization supports educators and other health care providers who believe in freedom of choice based on knowledge of alternatives in family-centered maternity and newborn care.

ICEA's goals are to provide:

• Training and continuing education programs
  
• Quality educational resources
  
• Professional certification programs
  
  

ICEA is a nonprofit organization. Since its formation in 1960, ICEA members and member groups have remained autonomous, establishing their own policies and creating their own programs. There are no membership requirements for individuals other than a commitment to family-centered maternity care and the philosophy of freedom of choice based on knowledge of alternatives in childbirth.