The “Births in the Shadows” event, held at Near East University, comprehensively assessed the processes related to fetal anomalies and pregnancy loss from medical, psychological, and professional perspectives.

Organized in collaboration with the Near East University Dean of Students Office and the Midwifery Club, the “Births in the Shadows: Fetal Anomalies, Loss, and Midwives” event took place at the İrfan Günsel Congress Center with high participation. Bringing together academics, students, and participants interested in the health field, the event addressed fetal anomalies, prenatal losses, and the critical role of the midwifery profession in these processes from multiple angles.

The opening speech was given by Prof. Dr. Adile Öniz Özgören, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Near East University, while the session was chaired by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sendegül Yıldırım, a faculty member from the Department of Histology and Embryology of Ufuk University Faculty of Medicine, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zeynep Oğul, a faculty member from the Midwifery Department of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Near East University. The event was led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zeynep Oğul. Following the scientific presentations, a question-and-answer session was held, giving students and participants the opportunity to ask the experts about topics they were curious about.

The highly attended event not only raised awareness in the field of health but also once again demonstrated that the midwifery profession is not only about accompanying childbirth but also a strong support system for families during the most difficult moments of life.

The scientific presentations, ranging from embryonic development to prenatal care, were well-received!

As part of the event, Prof. Dr. Gamze Ergüler Tanrıöver, a faculty member from the Department of Histology and Embryology of Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine and also a member of the Executive Board of the TÜBİTAK Health Sciences Research Group (SBAG), made a presentation on the causes of anomalies that can occur during embryonic development, the importance of early diagnosis, and points to consider in pregnancy monitoring. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gonca İnanç, in her presentation titled “From the Womb to Childhood: The Critical Role of Sleep in Brain Development”, explained the effects of sleep patterns on neurological development from the fetal period to childhood. Participants had the opportunity to gain comprehensive information on the importance of sleep for healthy development.

Another speaker at the event, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Filiz Yarıcı, in her presentation titled “Repairing Broken Dreams: Family-Centered Care and the Art of Midwifery in Prenatal Loss”, spoke on the psychosocial support processes for families experiencing prenatal loss and the guidance role undertaken by midwives during this sensitive period.

Prof. Dr. Adile Öniz Özgören: “As healthcare professionals, our duty is not only to protect the beginning of life, but also to rebuild hope after losses.”

Beginning her speech by saying, “Today we have come together here to shed light on one of the most sensitive, miraculous, and at the same time most fragile periods of life.” Prof. Dr. Adile Öniz Özgören, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences of Near East University, stated that midwifery is not only a profession, but a unique art that witnesses the very first moment when life begins, bringing science together with compassion.

Stating that being a healthcare professional actually means choosing a way of life rather than just a profession, Prof. Dr. Özgören said, “As healthcare professionals, our duty is not only to protect the beginning of life, but also to rebuild hope after losses. As healthcare professionals who are equipped with scientific knowledge, strengthened by empathy, and act with an understanding that centers humanity, all living beings, and nature; we witness not only birth, but every delicate and fragile moment of life. I hope that every piece of information, every experience, and every perspective shared here today will add value to our professional practice, and make us stronger, more sensitive, and more conscious individuals.”

Prof. Dr. Özgören stated that healthcare professionals, equipped with scientific knowledge, strengthened by empathy, and centering their approach on humanity, living beings, and nature, witness not only birth, but every critical moment of life. Özgören expressed his hope that every piece of information, every experience, and every perspective shared throughout the event would contribute to professional practice. He also stated his belief that this gathering would make participants stronger, more sensitive, and more conscious individuals.