Lucy’s story: “At every appointment I had to fight for my rights”
Lucy* has had two babies and two very different birth experiences. Here in her own words, she talk about the coercion she experienced with her first baby…
Consent forms and coercion: Considerations for healthcare professionals
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.
Hannah’s story: “I was told if I didn’t agree then I may be referred to social services — I knew this was coercion again”
Experienced mum Hannah* tells us about the coercion she faced in the lead up to giving birth to her third child.
Tiffany’s story: “No-one spoke up for me, they were just bystanders”
For years, Tiffany has been suffering the long-term effects from extreme vaginal tearing during her first birth. Here, in her own words, she explains some of the coercion she faced during the birth and immediate aftermath…
Birthrights responds to criticisms of Baroness Amos
Birthrights addresses the distinctly heightened challenging of Lady Amos’ credibility, knowledge and authority since the publication of the National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation report.
Birthrights responds to findings from the Amos National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation Review
The final report from the Amos National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation calls for systemic, urgent change to maternity services. Birthrights welcomes this call to action, which echoes last week’s Ockenden report in its urgency, and stands in solidarity with the women and birthing people and healthcare professionals whose experiences serve as the evidence of this broken system…
Birthrights responds to findings from Ockenden review into maternity services at Nottingham
The findings from the review into the maternity provision at Nottingham, are absolutely shocking – but sadly of no surprise.
Birthrights announces Sonia Adesara as New Chair of the Board of Trustees
Birthrights announces Sonia Adesara as New Chair of the Board of Trustees
Birthrights taking legal action against suspension of homebirth services by Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Birthrights, Gloucestershire Maternity Action Group and an individual claimant have written to Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and put them on notice of our intention to apply for judicial review of their decision to suspend the home birth service for an unspecified length of time, which was made in breach of human rights and equality law.
2025 – Birthrights’ Year in Review
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.