Protecting human rights in childbirth
The pattern has been the same throughout the pandemic. A simple explanation followed by a seemingly inevitable consequence “Due to rising COVID, visitor restrictions have been reintroduced”. Sometimes followed by an acknowledgement of how difficult this is for everyone concerned. What is often missing is a detailed explanation of how a decision has been reached. … Read more
Perinatal depression and anxiety could cost society an additional £17.5 billion in England, an analysis commissioned by Birthrights, the UK’s charity for protecting human rights in childbirth, has concluded. The article, written by health economist and Associate Professor (UCL) Rachael Hunter and published by the Journal of Quality in Health Care & Economics, discusses the … Read more
Yesterday, The Sunday Times published an article containing criticisms of Birthrights by the author Milli Hill. Until recently, Birthrights has worked alongside Milli to champion women’s rights in pregnancy and childbirth. As reported, in November Milli posted comments on social media disputing that obstetric violence could happen to trans or non-binary people. We were also made … Read more
Birthrights, the UK’s charity for protecting human rights in childbirth, has welcomed the Health and Social Care Select Committee’s report into safety of maternity services in England The Committee’s report highlights women and babies from minority ethnic and socioeconomically deprived backgrounds are at greater risk when compared to their white or less deprived peers Birthrights … Read more
Birthrights has published its response to NICE’s draft guideline on induction which recommends that all women and birthing people should be offered induction at 41 weeks. It also recommends that groups at increased risk of complications, including black and brown women, those aged 35 or over, women with a high BMI, or after assisted conception, … Read more
NHS England’s Personalised Care Institute (PCI) has launched a brand-new e-learning module on personalised care in maternity services. The module, which is free to access and takes around 30 minutes, aims to give all those working in maternity care the knowledge and skills they need to have meaningful choice conversations with women and birthing people, … Read more
Leigh Day have sent a letter before action to Betsi Cadwaladr, on behalf of Birthrights and a local couple expecting a baby. The letter asks the Health Board to explain why there have been no substantial changes to visiting arrangements in maternity services since November. Partners are not able to visit their other halves or … Read more
Could you help us demystify the complaints process? We are looking for an experienced freelance project manager to work in collaboration with service users and our staff team, to make an engaging video about making a complaint after receiving poor maternity care. We anticipate the project will be about 12 days work spread over a … Read more
For the second time this year, the Court of Protection has ruled it lawful to transfer a pregnant woman to hospital to give birth, apparently against her wishes. The Court of Protection exists to make decisions on financial, welfare and health matters for people who ‘lack capacity’ to make the decision for themselves under the … Read more
On International Day of the Midwife 2021, Sophie Russell, Consultant Midwife at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust and a Birthrights Trainer, gives us an insight into a typical day and reflects on how human rights impact her work as a midwife. Each day in my role is unique, rewarding and challenging; here is a snippet … Read more