Ex-Inquiry Member Quits Over Censored Maternity Safety Review

A government-commissioned review into maternity safety in England reportedly had its findings altered just days before publication, leading to the resignation of a former inquiry team member. Dr. Bill Kirkup revealed that criticism of the 'normal birth drive,' which advocates for unassisted vaginal births, was removed from the report. He expressed dismay, stating that such practices have been linked to avoidable deaths and harm in other reviews and that patient safety is being compromised.

The National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation report, published recently, examined maternity care across England and highlighted issues where women's concerns were not adequately addressed by services. While the report's recommendation for a government-appointed maternity commissioner was accepted, its conclusion that a 'normal' birth agenda did not contribute to poor outcomes surprised many.

Dr. Kirkup, who previously chaired maternity reviews in Morecambe Bay and East Kent where similar practices caused harm, stated that investigators found evidence of the issue persisting. He indicated that significant criticism of the normal birth drive was present in an earlier version of the report, but it disappeared just eight days before its release.

Campaigners have expressed shock and demanded transparency, with one stating they felt 'profoundly betrayed.' Despite these concerns, some, like midwife Leah Hazard, welcomed the review's conclusion, suggesting that the 'normal birth ideology' is not a dominant factor in current maternity care.