PURPOSE:
Midwives working in humanitarian settings often face severe suboptimal conditions, particularly in developing countries where non-governmental organizations deploy health personnel. These environments frequently lack the infrastructure to adequately meet the needs of patients, including pregnant women. Working as a humanitarian midwife in Europe presents a stark contrast to the structured and resource-rich environments many European midwives are accustomed to. In humanitarian settings—particularly in refugee camps—midwives often operate under suboptimal conditions, with limited access to essential medical supplies, infrastructure, and support systems.

DISCUSSION:
These challenges are especially pronouced in countries that serve as entry points for refugees, such as Greece. This presentation draws on first hand experience from the refugee camp Kara Tepeon the island of Lesvos, Greece. As a frontline location in the European migrant route, Lesvos hosts thousands of displaced individuals, many of whom are women in need of maternal care.

EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
The camp environment highlights the disparity between the expected standards of midwifery care in Europe and the reality faced by refugee women. While European countries may differ in how midwifery is practised, there is a shared commitment, supported by organzations like the European Midwifery Association- to uphold minimum standards of care for all pregnant women across the continent. However, in a humanitarian context like Kara Tepe, these standards are difficult to maintain. Refugee women often face barriers to accessing timely and adequate maternal health services, leading to increased risk during pregnancy and childbirth. The experience of working in such a setting challenges midwives to adapt their skills, expectations and ethical frameworks to meet the need of vulnerable populations under pressure,

KEY MESSAGE:
This reflection aims to shed light on the complexities of providing midwifery care in humanitarian crisis within Europe, and to advocate for stronger support systems that ensure equitable maternal care for all women- regardless of their legal status. Humanitarian 2