The role of midwives in advancing planetary health: A contemporary issue in education and practice

Abstract

Problem

Today's most pressing challenges arise from fractured relationships between people and the planet, resulting in cascading physical, emotional, and ecological harms. These disruptions disproportionately affect women and gender-diverse birthing people, who often face the compounded burdens of environmental degradation, social and racial inequities, and systemic gaps in care. Midwives are uniquely positioned to respond to the interconnected challenges of the Anthropocene impacting these populations; however, advancing this potential requires strengthened planetary health education and practice competencies within midwifery practice and education. Addressing current gaps in curricula, fragmented standards of care, and policy barriers is essential to equip midwives with the systems-thinking approaches needed to implement culturally responsive, ecologically attuned interventions.

Background

Both longstanding cultural traditions and scientific research affirm the value and importance of healthy relationships between people and ecological systems. These relationships foster a reconnection with nature, support positive lifestyle changes, and strengthen social cohesion. Planetary health is a unifying concept and growing social movement that acknowledges the interdependence of human health and the health of Earth's systems. The Planetary Health Education Framework (PHEF), developed by the Planetary Health Alliance (PHA) in 2021, provides a comprehensive approach in revising curricula to include planetary health and ensure future practitioners are equipped with the competency and skills to advance optimal health and healing. Integrating planetary health knowledge into midwifery education is essential to prepare practitioners who can address these interconnected challenges holistically, supporting the well-being of women and birthing individuals while also advancing the health of the ecosystems they depend on.

Aim

The purpose of this paper is to offer insights and strategies for integrating planetary health into midwifery education, supporting educators in preparing midwives to respond to the complex, interconnected needs of women and gender-diverse birthing people and the Earth's systems. The authors emphasize the vital role midwives play in advancing planetary health, given their unique ability to empower women, girls, and all gender-diverse birthing persons through knowledge, advocacy, and the fostering of individual and collective agency.