Across the UK, women and birthing people, especially Black and Brown women and birthing people, face traumatisation, injuries and even death because their fundamental rights are restricted, ignored and violated. Maternal deaths are increasing, and we have one of the highest maternal death rates in Europe. Underlying the challenges within maternity services is a systemic lack of respect and understanding of the right to bodily autonomy and consent.

Our work aims to change this situation by putting respect for human rights in maternity and childbirth at the heart of all maternity services. We do this by providing information and support for individuals – we help them get the birth they want and, as a result, make NHS Trusts improve their local policies. We train healthcare professionals to understand how to implement human rights in their care. And we press national government, professional bodies and the NHS for systemic change.