PURPOSE:
Strengthen the comprehensive response and referral pathways within an interdisciplinary network of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, with a rights-based approach, ensuring timely and high-quality care through effective coordination, management, and communication.

DISCUSSION:
FENOE is a professional organization that defends both SRH rights and the professional rights of midwives in Ecuador. Its work focuses on four key areas: strengthening leadership and professional competencies, improving community-based access to SRH information and rights-based counselling, national and international advocacy for SRH rights, and the provision of quality, culturally relevant care. FENOE is a member of the Latin American Federation of Obstetricians, the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM), and has delegates in the CLACAI Midwives Network. Since 2014, with external funding, FENOE has trained SRH leaders and built a national network to ensure confidential, rights-based, high-quality SRH care across several provinces. This network primarily serves women, adolescents, and migrants, contributing to the empowerment of their SRH rights. In 2023, a joint initiative with health professionals and organizations such as CODESER, SURKUNA, CEMOPLAF, and Las Comadres led to the formal creation of Contigo en Red, a mixed network of public and private SRH professionals providing coordinated, timely care.

EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
Mapping of rights-supportive health professionals revealed significant gaps in SRH service access, particularly for women, adolescents, and migrants. Contigo en Red now facilitates referrals and access to SRH services such as counselling, ultrasound, safe abortion, family planning, and obstetric care. Midwives play a key role due to their competencies and ability to build trust, contributing to improved access and timely care.

KEY MESSAGE:
Midwives in Ecuador play a crucial role within SRH care networks by facilitating counselling and comprehensive SRH services, including access to safe abortion. Their close relationship with social organizations, women, adolescents, and migrants enables life-saving promotion and prevention actions. Woman centered 1 (including three-minute presentation competition)