Write to your MP about restrictions in services

There are increasing numbers of Trusts or Healthboard withdrawing or suspending their home birth service or closing their midwife-led unit due to chronic staffing shortages. For women and birthing people, this could amount to a breach of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights and under the Human Rights Act, to a private and family life, which includes the right to choose where you give birth and who is present. The impact of restrictions on choice is having on the emotional and physical wellbeing of families during their pregnancies, births and during their postpartum period cannot be underestimated.

For the NHS to be truly the ‘best place in the world to give birth’ as per their 2019 manifesto promise and ensure the delivery of a world leading, safe, personalised, equitable, and high-quality rights respecting maternity service, maternity care must be a high priority for the new Secretary of State for Health & Social Care. Write to your MP and ensure the challenges facing maternity care and basic human rights is firmly on their agenda.

Template letter to your MP about changes to maternity services due to staffing shortages