Protecting human rights in childbirth
Registered Charity Number 1151152
I am often asked why I think human rights are relevant to maternity care. As a human rights lawyer, I am quick to think the answer is obvious: the NHS is bound by the Human Rights Act just like all other public bodies and so it must respect patients’ rights. But it’s fair to say … Read more
Interesting story yesterday about plans for midwives to ask routine questions about female genital mutilation in ante-natal appointments. Generally women will not have vaginal examinations during their pregnancies, so unless the question is asked (and answered honestly) it’s impossible to know whether they have suffered FGM until they are examined during or after childbirth. It’s … Read more
A study just published in the USA finds horrifying mistreatment of pregnant women based on misguided application of ‘pro-life’ laws. The groundbreaking research reveals how attempts to create a separate legal entity for fetuses have led to arrests, detentions, and forced medical interventions on pregnant women. Co-authored by Lynn Paltrow at National Advocates for Pregnant … Read more
The Guardian has reported today on the UK Borders Agency refusal to stop its security contractors (the notorious G4S) using force to remove pregnant women from the UK. Pregnant women have reported being mistreated by G4S staff – including being pushed in the stomach and dragged around the floor. The Prison Inspectorate reported on mistreatment … Read more
Birthrights featured on Woman’s Hour today discussing respecting women’s choices in childbirth. Elizabeth Prochaska, Birthrights founder and board member, was interviewed by Jenny Garvey with Daghni Rajasingam, consultant obstetrician and spokesperson for RCOG. You can listen here.
Pregnant women with severe learning difficulties “may very well retain capacity to make deeply personal decisions about their own medical care”. A great decision from Mr Justice Hedley sitting in the Court of Protection. The woman, who is unnamed for legal reasons, has very severe learning difficulties and is said to be in the bottom … Read more
Birthrights front and centre in this Observer feature about human rights in childbirth. Birthrights founder, Elizabeth Prochaska, quoted.
Birthrights is co-hosting a free screening of this exciting new documentary about human rights in childbirth. It will be held at the Rio Cinema, Dalston, at 6.15pm on 20 September 2012. You can see a trailer for the film featuring Birthrights lawyer, Elizabeth Prochaska, here. For more information, visit www.freedomforbirth.com.