This conference provides an opportunity to explore contemporary challenges affecting the provision of maternity services and the demands on midwives supporting diverse groups of women during childbirth. It aims to explore the impact of , the media, the needs of the diverse population, restoring the balance between normality, safety and risk alternative and alternative funding models for midwifery services. The findings of a collaborative survey of student midwives and medical students undertaken by the two Royal Colleges will also be shared at the event.