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CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
Sustained leadership of the Paraguayan Association of Obstetricians in the formulation and updating of the Professional Practice Law: An experience in health policy advocacy
1
Asociacion de Obstetras del Paraguay, Capital, Asunción, Paraguay
Eur J Midwifery 2026;10(Supplement 1):A335
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE:
In Paraguay, the absence of a specific law regulating the professional practice of obstetricians historically limited their autonomy and visibility within the health system. In response, the Paraguayan Association of Obstetricians (AOP) promoted the development and approval of a legal framework to formally regulate obstetric practice. As the original drafter of this initiative and current president of the AOP, I have led a sustained strategy of political advocacy and professional mobilization.
DISCUSSION:
Currently, the AOP is working on the update of the Professional Practice Law, in response to changes in epidemiological profiles, advances in obstetric competencies, and global frameworks on sexual and reproductive rights. Key achievements include the recognition of the obstetric role, professional autonomy, professional identity, the strengthening of its regulatory framework, and the projected improvement in the quality and equity of health services.
EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
The AOP promoted the first draft of the Professional Practice Law for Obstetricians, which was submitted to the National Congress and enacted in 2015, marking significant progress, https://py.vlex.com/vid/ley-n-5-423-645315429 In April 2024, the AOP reactivated the parliamentary process with a new proposal to amend and expand the legal framework, submitted to the Senate Health Committee. Since then, at least four technical meetings with legislators (April–June 2024) have taken place, as well as hearings with the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare and representatives from universities that train midwives. The Paraguayan experience shows how sustained leadership from a professional organization can drive structural change in health policies. The legislative update process strengthens professional autonomy, competency-based regulation, and universal access to essential services.
KEY MESSAGE:
Sustained leadership from professional associations is essential to transforming legal frameworks, strengthening midwifery practice, and advancing health policies based on rights. Spanish - policy (including three-minute presentation competition)
In Paraguay, the absence of a specific law regulating the professional practice of obstetricians historically limited their autonomy and visibility within the health system. In response, the Paraguayan Association of Obstetricians (AOP) promoted the development and approval of a legal framework to formally regulate obstetric practice. As the original drafter of this initiative and current president of the AOP, I have led a sustained strategy of political advocacy and professional mobilization.
DISCUSSION:
Currently, the AOP is working on the update of the Professional Practice Law, in response to changes in epidemiological profiles, advances in obstetric competencies, and global frameworks on sexual and reproductive rights. Key achievements include the recognition of the obstetric role, professional autonomy, professional identity, the strengthening of its regulatory framework, and the projected improvement in the quality and equity of health services.
EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
The AOP promoted the first draft of the Professional Practice Law for Obstetricians, which was submitted to the National Congress and enacted in 2015, marking significant progress, https://py.vlex.com/vid/ley-n-5-423-645315429 In April 2024, the AOP reactivated the parliamentary process with a new proposal to amend and expand the legal framework, submitted to the Senate Health Committee. Since then, at least four technical meetings with legislators (April–June 2024) have taken place, as well as hearings with the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare and representatives from universities that train midwives. The Paraguayan experience shows how sustained leadership from a professional organization can drive structural change in health policies. The legislative update process strengthens professional autonomy, competency-based regulation, and universal access to essential services.
KEY MESSAGE:
Sustained leadership from professional associations is essential to transforming legal frameworks, strengthening midwifery practice, and advancing health policies based on rights. Spanish - policy (including three-minute presentation competition)
| eISSN: | 2585-2906 |
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