Past campaigns
Since 2013, we have been campaigning tirelessly to protect human rights in pregnancy and childbirth. See below for details of our past campaigns.
Dignity in Childbirth
Our Dignity in Childbirth campaign launched in October 2013 in response to concerns that women and birthing people were experiencing lack of choice and disrespectful care during their pregnancy and childbirth experience.
Maternal request caesarean
The right to choose a caesarean birth is one of our most frequently accessed factsheets and asked question on our advice email service, and in 2018 we launched a campaign in response to the poor treatment of women and birthing people who request a caesarean section.
COVID-19 pandemic
During the pandemic, we worked to track issues that women, birthing people and healthcare professionals are experiencing, and to raise these with Trusts and policy makers. While there was an exemplary response to the crisis by many NHS Trusts, there were inconsistent, disproportionate and inhumane response by others and we saw a number of Trusts making unlawful blanket decisions without taking into account women and birthing people’s individual individual circumstances.
Need advice about your maternity care?
Knowing your rights and the law in pregnancy and childbirth is important. If you have are pregnant or recently given birth and need advice on any aspect of your care, please contact our advice team.
Our free factsheets provide you with the latest information on your rights, where they come from in law, and how they are backed up in guidance.
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.