Content and topics
What our core training covers
- An introduction to human rights and where they come from (primarily the European Convention on Human Rights/Human Rights Act 1998)
- An exploration of key common law judgements relevant to maternity care including Montgomery vs Lanarkshire
- Consideration of the implications of human rights law and common law cases for maternity care, and what legal obligations doctors and midwives have as NHS employees
- Practical discussion of case studies and common scenarios in small groups, e.g. consent for induction, maternal request caesarean, request to give birth in a birth centre which does not meet guidelines
Our courses
Our half day training course covers:
- Where human rights come from and how they apply to maternity care
- The implications of Montgomery v Lanarkshire and other legal cases that are relevant to consent and informed choice
- The opportunity to put this understanding into practice by working in small groups looking at real life choice conversations with women and birthing people
Our full day training course covers:
- Choice conversations with women and birthing people that facilitate providing the information they need, give professional recommendations and explore alternative options in order to achieve informed consent
- How to identify sensitively challenge behaviour by colleagues that is disrespectful or unsafe
- Appropriate informal and formal escalation routes if needed to protect women and birthing people’s rights and safety
- A safe space for healthcare professionals to develop their communication practice.
About Birthrights
Birthrights is the UK charity that champions respectful maternity care by protecting human rights. We provide advice and legal information to women and birthing people, train healthcare professionals to deliver rights-respecting care and campaign to change maternity policy and systems.