NHS birth centre closures called shocking denial of women's rights
Briefing by News4U · First published
NHS officials are shutting growing numbers of midwife-led birth centres in England in what campaigners call a shocking denial of women's right to choose midwife rather than doctor-led care, The Guardian reported. Twelve centres have closed since 2019, including six permanent closures since Labour took office in July 2024, amid midwife shortages, a falling birthrate and rising caesarean rates. Home-birth services have also been suspended for up to 14 months in parts of England and Wales. The Royal College of Midwives warned lost midwife-led options may push some women toward private care or unsupported home births. Health Secretary Yvette Cooper is due to publish a maternity action plan before Christmas. [1]
Sources
- Rise in NHS birth centre closures ‘shocking’ denial of women’s rights, experts say
The Guardian · · Full text