Protecting human rights in childbirth
Registered Charity Number 1151152
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In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court of Victoria has found an Australian hospital guilty of battery and negligence for pressuring a woman to accept a vaginal exam in labour that she did not want. She received damages totalling nearly AUS$300k. So how is this case relevant to the UK?
When talking about supporting informed decision-making in maternity, the consent form is a topic that comes up time and again. We are aware that, as part of a broader trend towards defensive practice, some trusts have been increasing their use of consent forms, in the (mistaken) belief that they offer a cloak of legal protection.
2025 has been a year of change, growth and challenge for Birthrights.
But our mission remains clear.
Our maternity system is still in crisis, and it is more urgent than ever to do the work that will enable all women and birthing people to make informed, autonomous decisions about their care, free from coercion, discrimination or punishment.
My first month as Birthrights’ CEO has been a heady mix of excitement and intensity as I learn more about the work, the future plans and meet the incredible team. I have been relieved to learn that all the things that attracted me to Birthrights are indeed true in practice and some more.
The debate on Baby Loss was held yesterday (October 13) at the House of Commons, on Baby Loss Awareness Week. In our response as Birthrights, we want to be clear that a human rights-centred approach is still missing from the debate and discussions about the maternity care crisis.
Birthrights is seeing the rise of a concerning trend of punitive, criminalising and legalistic approaches targeting doulas. This undermines trust and endangers safety, creating an environment where no one can feel safe.
The publication today of the Black Mental Health report confirms what we have long known – that systemic racism and disparities in maternity care are failing Black women and birthing people in England.
The latest MBRRACE Report (link) has been published, and once again it shows no improvement in maternal death rates or in the stark inequalities that persist in the maternity sector.
These referrals are putting safety in maternity care at risk. No one can feel safe under these conditions.
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Hazel Williams as new CEO of Birthrights.
Hazel is a passionate values-led leader who has led award-winning human rights and social justice charities. Currently she is the Director of Justice Together, leading a national programme to improve anti-racist practice in the migration sector and access to justice for people in the immigration system.
A spate of inappropriate referrals has recently come to our attention, involving both women and birthing people and healthcare professionals.
These referrals are putting safety in maternity care at risk. No one can feel safe under these conditions.