Interlocked: Midwives and the Climate Crisis

Midwives are uniquely positioned to address the health challenges of climate change. This report explores their experiences as trusted, community-based first responders and highlights their critical role in building climate-resilient health systems. 

The report calls on governments and policymakers to integrate midwives into national climate response strategies. By doing so, midwives can advocate for and secure the resources needed to create more resilient health systems and provide essential care during climate disasters. 

Key Findings:  

• Climate change is damaging community health: 75% of midwives reported that climate change is harming the communities they serve, with rising rates of preterm births, food insecurity, and restricted access to care during disasters like floods. 
• Midwives are critical first responders: Midwives are often the first and only healthcare providers on the ground in crises, delivering care during wildfires, floods, and extreme heat. 
• Midwives face significant challenges: Many midwives reported stress, burnout, and even displacement due to climate disasters, with 76% agreeing that the climate crisis has negatively impacted their work. 
• Midwives need more support: Survey respondents called for training, resources, and inclusion in climate preparedness plans to strengthen their ability to respond to growing challenges. 
• Midwifery care is inherently sustainable: By reducing unnecessary interventions and providing care closer to home, midwives lower the carbon footprint of healthcare services and support climate-resilient health systems. 

We would like to thank Human Rights Watch for their collaboration on this report.