The death of independent midwifery?

[Snaf]

May I draw your attention to this?

I am a fervent supporter of the NHS and the struggle of NHS midwives to provide good care and support everyday, but I also feel very strongly that alternatives should be available to those that want/need them. This proposal is yet another nail in the coffin of maternal choice.

If this legislation goes ahead, it will effectively mean the end of independent midwifery. I know that lots of MNers have had great experiences with IMs and I'm sure the IMA would appreciate your support if you (and anyone else!) would like to lend it.

You can use this website to find out who your MP is and send them a message:

www.writetothem.com/

I have written to my MP. No response yet. Will let you know!

There is a feature on channel 5 news tonite re maternity servicies and independent midwives I believe

Channel 5 or Fivelive?

It was meant to be a much bigger feature! Maybe another day?

Exactly! We will have to watch this space

Exactly! We will have to watch this space

If we all email all our contacts, it may just make a difference. Women who conceive this summer who want to book with an IM will NOT have the choice. Whether you want this for yourself or never would dream of IM care, it is a blow for ALL women and choices in childbirth. The government will make IMs illegal unless we stop them!

Off soap box now!

There is going to be a discussion on maternity on Richard and Judy tonite. An IM will be on there, hopefully that will bump up the petition numbers!

It was on! Had Lynn Walcott, IM who is lovely. Spoke a lot of sense although didnt talk about IMs being under threat (but I guess the programme wasnt about that). Still it does show us the type of fab midwife we will lose if IMs are made illegal

If I get pregnant in the summer (if I am v v lucky as I don`t get pregnant easily), I may not have the option of an IM. 2008 is when they will be ousted back into the history books

I guess we will just keep on bumping this thread up

Yes, it was great when Richard cut across her saying about peoples horror stories! I dont know whether I believe the midwife asking for everyone to pray though
Did you notice the little comment from Judy when Lynn was talking about continuity "well thats an ideal world" said she. Quite dismissive tone.(Not really this analytical of R & J!!)

I wrote to my MP through the writetothem.com website last week and got a letter from him today saying he'd written to Patricia Hewitt, the Secretary of State for Health, to raise the issue with her and he'd get back to me as soon as he receives a reply from her.

I have to say I'm very impressed. Not that it'll do much but at least I got a reply and he's promised to follow it up.