The Role of Health Law Principles and Nursing Ethics in Preventing Professional Malpractice in Maternal and Child Care.Background and Aim: This study aimed to determine the role of awareness regarding health law principles and nursing ethics in preventing professional misconduct and enhancing professional behavior among maternal and child care nurses and midwives. This issue is critical due to severe conflicts of interest (e.g., collision of maternal autonomy and fetal beneficence) leading to moral distress and increased legal risk.Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized a mixed-methods approach (quantitative-qualitative) involving 28 personnel from relevant clinical departments. Quantitative data were collected using legal awareness and professional performance questionnaires, and qualitative data through semi-structured interviews. Quantitative analysis employed Pearson correlation and multiple regression tests.Findings: The mean legal awareness of participants was reported as 32%, and the mean ethical-professional performance was 66.9%. Pearson correlation showed a strong, positive, and significant relationship between legal awareness and professional performance (r=0.61,p<0.01\mathbf{r = 0.61, p < 0.01}r=0.61,p<0.01). Regression analysis identified training during education as the strongest predictor of professional performance (β=0.42,p<0.001\mathbf{\beta = 0.42, p < 0.001}β=0.42,p<0.001). Qualitative findings confirmed the delegation of 85% of critical decisions due to fear of legal repercussions.Conclusion: Awareness of health law principles plays a vital role in strengthening professional self-efficacy and preventing malpractice. This awareness provides a secure foundation for nurses to make active and responsible decisions based on ethical principles (Beauchamp & Childress). Therefore, revising educational curricula to integrate health law with specialized nursing training is a main priority for reducing moral distress and improving care quality.