NHS closes twelve midwife‑led birth centres since 2019, campaigners call it denial of women’s rights
The Guardian reported that twelve midwife‑led maternity units have been closed in England since 2019, with six of those closures occurring after Labour came…
The Guardian reported that twelve midwife‑led maternity units have been closed in England since 2019, with six of those closures occurring after Labour came to power in 2024. NHS officials are shutting a growing number of birth centres, a trend campaigners describe as a “shocking” denial of a woman’s right to have a midwife rather than a doctor oversee their baby’s birth.
Birth centres, which are run by midwives, give women the option to give birth in a hospital unit led by doctors, a midwife‑led unit, or at home. Campaigners argue that the closures limit that choice and undermine the role of midwives in the NHS.
The closures have sparked criticism from health advocates who say the loss of midwife‑led facilities erodes a key part of maternity care that supports women’s preferences and outcomes.
Why it matters
The shutdown of midwife‑led units reduces the options available to expectant mothers and weakens midwife‑focused care within the NHS.
Key details
- Location
- United Kingdom · Europe
- Reported by
- The Guardian
- First reported
- Key names
- NHS, England, Labour
- Section
- Health
Sources
This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:
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