Launching today: public inquiry on birth trauma
The Birth Trauma All Parliamentary Party Group (APPG) - led by Theo Clarke MP and Rosie Duffield MP - is launching a public inquiry today. The APPG aims to review the reasons for the prevalence of birth trauma in the UK. The inquiry is inviting parents and professionals affected by birth trauma to submit their stories. There will also be a series of witness panel sessions held in Parliament. This will conclude in a report which puts forward policy recommendations to reduce the rate of birth trauma.
Share your lived experience
The inquiry is inviting written submissions both from parents and from professionals who work in maternity. It is open to everyone in the UK, and they particularly welcome submissions from people from marginalised communities such as those who are racially minoritised, LGBTQIA+, economically disadvantaged, homeless, asylum seeking or displaced, care experienced, neurodivergent or facing any other circumstances which means their voice is less likely to be heard. If you'd like to make a submission please read more here and follow the guidelines provided. The inbox for the public inquiry will be open until 6th February.
Keep yourself safe
Keep in mind: your safety is priority.
If you’re considering sharing your personal experience of trauma, we ask you to think carefully about this. If the process is causing you any distress, please contact us for support: hello@makebirthbetter.org.
To ensure you're well-looked after in this process, please ask yourself first:
Would it feel safe for you to share your story? You decide what you share and when you share it.
Would taking more time to heal benefit you first? We know for many people sharing about their lived experience can be a helpful part of their healing process. But sometimes what you went through is still too raw and that's OK. Your time will come.
Do you have people to talk to if the process feels re-triggering? Sharing your story can bring up a lot of emotions, and we advise to let your loved ones and/or therapist know that you are considering sharing your experience.
Seven weeks of parliamentary panel sessions
Parliamentary panel sessions are going to run every Monday from 5th February to 18th March in Parliament. They will be open for the public to attend in person and will see a range of professionals and parents share their experience with a panel of MP's who sit on the Birth Trauma APPG.