DESCRIPTION OF TOPIC:
This study investigates the scope of practice and autonomy of midwives in eight Latin American countries and compares them to the 2024 International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) Essential Competencies and Professional Framework. Given the essential role of midwives in maternal and newborn health, aligning their practice with global standards is critical to improving care quality and equity across the region. A descriptive, cross-sectional, qualitative study was conducted through semi-structured interviews with 11 midwives from Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay. Thematic analysis was used to examine professional roles in primary care, obstetrics, gynecology, neonatology, legal frameworks, and clinical autonomy.

RELEVANCE TO MIDWIFERY:
While there is regional consistency in basic sexual and reproductive health roles—such as contraceptive counseling and prenatal care—the study reveals major disparities in advanced practices like neonatal intensive care and surgical gynecology. Legal and educational frameworks strongly influence midwives' autonomy. For example, Chile and Paraguay show broad scopes of practice, while Brazil and Uruguay significantly restrict independent midwifery care. Aligning midwifery practice with ICM competencies is not just about professional recognition—it is a regional imperative for equity, quality, and the full realization of midwives' transformative potential. Professional development - identity (including three-minute presentation competition)