DESCRIPTION OF TOPIC:
Midwives should engage in political actions because our work has a significant impact on the health and rights of women, newborns, and their families. Political participation advocates for quality care, protects our professional roles, and promotes women’s rights. On Tuesday, May 20th 2025, the Ministry of Health issued the new law 243, which undermines midwives' key roles in gynecology, neonatology, and obstetrics hospital care. Handing their duties to other professionals, risking longer wait times, and reducing safety for women and newborns. On Wednesday, the 21st, on the national holiday, the media focused on naval celebrations, overshadowing critical regulatory modifications affecting midwifery competencies. On Thursday, the 22nd, Midwives flood social media with alerts about the changes. After health authorities refused to negotiate, the Chilean College of Midwives called for a nationwide mobilization, denouncing the law as an attack on their profession and women’s rights. On Friday, 23rd, 10:00 a.m. Citizens from all backgrounds, families, midwifery students, and midwives take to the streets and protest in front of the presidential building, Palacio de La Moneda. Over 4,000 people from all 15 regions gathered to protest the imminent risks to the quality of care for women and newborns, and the drastic reduction in the professional competencies of midwifery, prompting calls for the repeal of the new regulation.1:00 p.m. President Gabriel Boric meets with midwives' association representatives on the streets. Regulation 234 is suspended, and a meeting with the Minister took place, followed by discussions with midwives.

RELEVANCE TO MIDWIFERY:
The Chilean midwives successfully applied pressure through nationwide street protests. Their mobilization focused on defending specialized gynecological and obstetric care, as well as demanding inclusion in policymaking. The Health Ministry has responded with negotiations and to revise elements of the new law. Leadership 2 (including three-minute presentation competition)