The findings from the review into the maternity provision at Nottingham, are absolutely shocking – but sadly of no surprise.
They echo what we have been hearing from women and birthing people and health care professionals about the current state of maternity care, in which people and families are repeatedly not listened to or believed – with devastating impact. With Black and Brown women and birthing people and those from minoritised and under-served communities least likely to be heard due to systemic racism and discrimination instead of care throughout the maternity system.
At the core of these problems is a lack of understanding of and respect for human rights-centred care, embedded within toxic, bullying work cultures with staff that are overworked and under-resourced/supported. Human rights in maternity care is about being listened to, having informed choice, dignity and respect and control over what happens to your body. These are not just nice to have; they are essential lifesaving rights.
These findings are not unique to Nottingham and other trusts must listen; the word ‘crisis’ is overused, this is an emergency and must be stopped.
We believe change can happen but it requires a whole system investment and commitment to antiracism and equity and embedding human rights–centred, safe and personalised care, through proper training, support, culture change and a decolonized education system. Staffing needs to be urgently looked at to ensure all places of birth are available, and all services are properly staffed, and those staff are trained and supported to do their work.
Birthrights is the leading authority on the human rights of women and birthing people during pregnancy and birth in the UK. We believe that all women and birthing people should be able to exercise their right to make informed decisions about their bodies and care, and to do so free from discrimination, coercion and violence. We champion rights by supporting women and birthing people, training healthcare professionals, holding systems and institutions to account, and making visible diverse experiences of maternity care.
Birthrights was co-founded by human rights barrister, Elizabeth Prochaska and doula and author Rebecca Schiller more than 10 years ago because no other organisation in the UK was looking at the breadth of issues in maternity care through a human rights lens. We continue to offer rights-based information on everything from maternal request caesarean to unassisted birth. Alongside the information we provide to women and birthing people and their supporters, we also engage directly with Trusts and hospitals, wherever possible as a critical friend, but we are never afraid to take legal action, and campaign for change.