BACKGROUND:
Sexual and gender diverse (SGD) individuals often encounter barriers to inclusive and affirming maternity care. Midwives are central to providing such care, yet their perceptions and experiences in supporting SGD people remain underexamined in the literature. Understanding these experiences is essential for improving equity and responsiveness in maternity services.

OBJECTIVES:
This scoping review aims to explore midwives’ perceptions and experiences in caring for SGD individuals within maternity services. The goal is to identify common challenges, areas of confidence, and opportunities for enhancing inclusive practice.

METHODS:
A scoping review is being conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) PCC (Population, Concept, Context) framework. Peer-reviewed databases were systematically searched, and studies are being screened and selected using the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Inclusion criteria focus on literature addressing midwives’ experiences and perceptions related to SGD care in maternity contexts.

RESULTS:
Preliminary findings from the ongoing review suggest that while midwives express a strong willingness to provide inclusive care to sexual and gender diverse individuals, they often feel underprepared and constrained by cis-heteronormative norms embedded in clinical and educational settings. Emerging themes point to gaps in training, uncertainty in language use, and a lack of institutional support, all of which impact midwives’ confidence and ability to deliver affirming care. Some studies also highlight the emotional labour involved in navigating inclusive care without adequate guidance or mentorship.

CONCLUSIONS:
Initial insights indicate a need for targeted education, supportive workplace cultures, and clear practice guidelines to empower midwives in delivering inclusive care. These findings also highlight the importance of conducting further primary research to directly engage midwives and better understand their lived experiences, challenges, and needs in providing care to SGD individuals.

KEY MESSAGE:
Midwives are motivated to provide inclusive care but face systemic and educational barriers—addressing these is essential for equitable maternity services. Poster session 1 (Group A)