PURPOSE:
In light of global sustainability crises and in alignment with Agenda 2030, this presentation introduces a foundational, profession-specific sustainability concept for midwifery. Central to this is the newly developed model of Circular Midwifery Practice (CMP), conceptualized by the author as a heuristic framework for sustainable, just, and ecologically responsible midwifery care. CMP interweaves reproductive health, gender equity, and socio-ecological responsibility within planetary boundaries.

DISCUSSION:
By contrasting linear and circular principles, the presentation critically examines unsustainable linear practices, including the enduring influence of patriarchal norms in healthcare systems and families, systemic misaligned incentives leading, e.g., to overuse and underuse of healthcare, resource waste, the use of climate-damaging materials, and the unsustainable deployment of midwives. These practices result in significant social, ecological, and economic harm. In contrast, circularity—based on prevention, sufficiency, empowerment, interdisciplinarity, and justice across gender, generations, social strata, regions, and human-nature relations—supports systemic resilience and transformation. Midwives, with their salutogenic and sufficiency-oriented health perspective, are well-positioned to provide sustainable care and serve as role models for other health professions.

EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
CMP is conceptually grounded in Raworth’s Doughnut Economics (2017) and the Health Sufficiency Framework by Geiselhart et al. (2024), both defining ecological and social boundaries for sustainable economies respectively healthcare. CMP adopts and builds upon the circular “doughnut” space to develop a midwifery-specific sustainability framework, where care for women, children, and families can be delivered within the "safe and just space for humanity." The presentation further emphasizes the role of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in embedding sustainability and future-design competencies in midwifery education, positioning midwives as multipliers of sustainability literacy within families worldwide.

KEY MESSAGE:
CMP, visualized through a compelling graphic model, advances a circular understanding of midwifery practice and offers a forward-looking framework to transform midwifery in line with the SDGs and the Planetary Health paradigm. Education - clinical skills (+Three-minute presentation competition)