PURPOSE:
To present an innovative model of community-based, midwifery-led sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care in Australia. This model responds to recent legislative changes, enabling endorsed midwives to provide comprehensive SRH services including early medical abortion (EMA), expanding the scope of midwifery beyond maternity care.

DISCUSSION:
Endorsed midwives in Australia are registered midwives with prescribing rights and authority to order diagnostics. Until 2023, EMA access was limited to medical practitioner-led models. In July 2023, the Therapeutic Goods Administration and MS Health removed prescribing restrictions on MS-2 Step (EMA medication), and Victoria amended the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act, authorising endorsed midwives to prescribe Schedule 4 and 8 medicines within their scope.These reforms enabled the establishment of Western Health’s Melton Sexual and Reproductive Health Hub in March 2025—Australia’s first midwife-led SRH clinic based in the community. The Hub provides holistic, person-centred care, including EMA, contraception, STI management, cervical screening, and education, led by an endorsed midwife in collaboration with local health services.

EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
While formal evaluation is underway, early indicators show high service uptake, strong consumer satisfaction, and reduced access barriers for priority populations. Midwives report increased autonomy, role satisfaction, and confidence in delivering full-scope SRH care. The clinic offers a replicable model for expanding equitable, midwifery-led SRH services nationally.

KEY MESSAGE:
Endorsed midwives are uniquely positioned to lead integrated SRH care in community settings. The Melton Hub demonstrates how midwifery leadership, supported by policy reform, can transform access, equity, and choice in reproductive health care. This model holds global relevance as health systems seek sustainable, rights-based approaches to safe SRH delivery. Midwife autonomy (including three-minute presentation competition)