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Birth Trauma Inquiry: Over 1,300 Women Testify, Urging UK Maternity Services Overhaul

May 13, 2024, 07:59 AM

A recent parliamentary inquiry into the UK's maternity services, led by MPs Theo Clarke and Rosie Duffield from a cross-party group, has revealed significant issues, prompting calls for a comprehensive overhaul of the system. The Birth Trauma Inquiry, which gathered harrowing testimony from over 1,300 women, highlighted a lack of compassion and a culture of cover-up within the services. It was reported that 1 in 25 mothers experienced traumatic births. Key recommendations from the inquiry include establishing a base standard for maternity services across the UK, ensuring universal access to specialist maternal mental health services, and ending the postcode lottery of perinatal care. Health Minister Maria Caulfield acknowledged the findings and stated that resources are being allocated to meet these recommendations.