Home / Health / Leeds Maternity Crisis: Normal Birth Push Linked to Baby Deaths
Leeds Maternity Crisis: Normal Birth Push Linked to Baby Deaths
23 Nov
Summary
- Leeds hospital promoted 'normal birth' ideology for a decade.
- Stillbirth and newborn death rates at Leeds were the worst in Britain.
- Hundreds of babies have died or suffered brain damage due to poor care.
Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust is at the center of an investigation into poor maternity care, reportedly prioritizing a 'normal birth' ideology for a decade. During this period, the trust recorded the lowest number of caesarean sections while its rates of stillbirths and newborn deaths soared to become the worst in Britain. Hospital chiefs had actively promoted natural births with minimal medical intervention in their maternity strategy.
Concerns have been raised that this approach led to midwives and doctors delaying interventions or prolonging forceps use to avoid caesarean sections. The strategy was implemented shortly after a similar approach at another trust was heavily criticized. The situation has gained national attention, with hundreds of babies affected by poor maternity care across England, described as a 'cause of national shame' by Health Secretary Wes Streeting.
An independent inquiry has been announced for Leeds' maternity units, with parents of deceased infants feeling dismissed and blaming the 'normal birth' ideology for their loss. This investigation is part of a broader national review of 14 NHS trusts, examining failures like ignored safety concerns and toxic leadership cultures. Over 150 families have lodged complaints regarding their maternity care at Leeds.
