Back to the Essence: Reclaiming Midwifery Power and Sensitive Birth

Call for abstracts & presentation proposals

About the Symposium

In a modern maternity care system often challenged by overmedicalisation, routine interventions, and systemic pressures, returning to physiological birth and sensitive, respectful care is both essential and transformative.

The Sensitive Midwifery Symposium 2027 invites midwives, obstetricians, researchers, educators, allied healthcare professionals, and birth advocates to submit abstracts and presentation proposals. The 2027 series will focus on returning to core clinical instincts, honing evidence-based hands-on skills, honoring indigenous and culturally sensitive care, and standing firm against obstetric violence.

Suggested Tracks & Topics

We invite submission of research papers, clinical case studies, workshop proposals, and panel discussions across the following sub-themes:

  1. Honing Foundational & Emergency Skills:
    • Physiological birth management, biomechanics, active birthing positions, and waterbirth.
    • Hands-on emergency drills and skills (e.g., Breech birth, Shoulder Dystocia, Postpartum Hemorrhage, ESMOE).
  2. Clinical Excellence & High-Risk Management
    • Evidence-based management of pre-eclampsia, hypertensive disorders, and labor analgesia innovations.
    • Critical lessons from maternal death reviews and national audit reports to improve clinical outcomes.
  3. Cultural Sensitivity & Indigenous Birthing Wisdom
    • Cultural frameworks, tracing the footprints of birth in Africa, and integrating traditional birthing wisdom with modern midwifery care.
  4. Humanised Care & Systemic Advocacy
    • Identifying and addressing obstetric violence, protecting maternal rights, and implementing respectful maternity care frameworks.
  5. Midwifery Autonomy & Professional Growth
    • Navigating CPD implementation, scope of practice, and strengthening independent and sensitive midwifery practice.

Submission Guidelines & Presentation Formats

We welcome proposals for the following formats:

  • Plenary Presentations: 20-30 minute keynote or topical sessions.
  • Hands-on Workshops / Masterclasses: 60–90 minute interactive clinical skill-building sessions.
  • Panel Discussions: 45-minute moderated discussions on hot topics or systemic challenges.

Abstract Requirements:

  • Title: Concise and aligned with the symposium theme.
  • Abstract Body: Maximum 300 words outlining the background, objectives, key takeaways, or clinical relevance.
  • Speaker Bio: 100-word biography detailing your current role, background, and clinical or academic focus.
  • Contact Details: Full name, designation, email address, phone number, and affiliation.

Important Dates

  • Call for Papers Opens: 1 November 2026
  • Submission Deadline: 1 March 2027
  • Notification of Acceptance: 15 March 2027 
  • Symposium Series Dates: 2027

How to Submit

Please submit your abstract and proposal details via the application form. Click the button below to apply.

Join us in leading the conversation, sharing critical research, and shaping the future of sensitive birth across South Africa!

Apply Now