Protecting human rights in childbirth
Registered Charity Number 1151152
Longer reads, analysis and your stories
Birthrights welcomes the NMC’s expression of commitment to human-rights centred maternity care in its new Principles. However, to achieve this goal, principles which breach human rights law requirements must be amended, the role of doulas must be respected, and more attention must be paid to the support needed by midwives from their employers.
Birthrights is joined in conversation by Dr Kate Whitehouse to talk about maternity care and her experiences as a doctor within both the US and the UK maternity systems
“My name is Thando Zwane and I’m a birthkeeper and doula and founder of the birth group Birthing in Colour. I work all over London in my capacity as birthkeeper.” Birthrights ‘Access Denied: Restrictions on Home Birth in the UK’ Report Case Study
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.
Ella’s story: a second-time mum with hospital anxiety and a home birth agreed, found out the service was suspended at 32 weeks pregnant – Birthrights ‘Access Denied: Restrictions on Home Birth in the UK’ Report Case Study
Maia’s story: a second-time mum who had to fight for a home birth, Birthrights ‘Access Denied: Restrictions on Home Birth in the UK’ Report Case Study
Human rights violations in maternity care disproportionately impact migrant, refugee, and asylum-seeking women and birthing people. This is a systemic issue that demands a systemic, rights-based response.
In February 2024, we submitted evidence to the UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Girls during an official visit to the UK in February. The Special Rapporteur shared her preliminary findings to the Government officials at the end of the visit in March 2024.
After spearheading Birthright’s Home Birth campaign, our policy and campaigns manager Elif Ege reflects on how ‘safety concerns’ are too often used as an excuse to restrict or suspend maternity services…
Healthcare regulators are meant to protect the public but their toxic cultures perpetrate so many of the key problems rife in maternity care.