A new report reveals that more women feel like they don’t have a choice in decision-making during childbirth.
Birthrights is an established charity co-founded in 2013 by human rights barristers Elizabeth Prochaska and Rebecca Schiller. It aims to provide support for pregnant women in England throughout each stage of the pregnancy process. Providing a constant cycle of legal advice and support.
The charity shared a new report about how women really feel regarding the treatment they receive in the maternity ward. Gathering responses from 300 patients across England. The report highlights that a large proportion of women do not feel that medical professionals listen to them. Arguing that, more often than not, medical professionals will pressure or coerce them into making alternative decisions.
Understandably, medical professionals are required to adhere to legal medical practice. Which you could see as a counterargument. However, the dismissal of women’s voices and choices during birth care can lead to hostility, lack of trust, or worse, fatal accidents.
The report shared numerous responses from women about their horrible experiences. One lady shares,
“I remember a doctor saying to me: ‘You can choose to have a C-section now, or you can wait a few hours, and I’ll press that buzzer behind your head, and you’ll have one anyway.'”
What message does this send to young women?
Not giving women the space to make decisions about procedures that affect their bodies is dehumanising and unjust. While not all women want kids, how the medical industry treats women in labour is an extremely important topic that all young girls need to be educated on.
The dismissal of their voices spreads the message that women’s opinions aren’t important. Which, under the patriarchy, is a feeling women already struggle with. Additionally, it also suggests that women may have to agree to certain decisions they aren’t comfortable with.
How can medical professionals be more understanding?
Listen. It’s as simple as this. Medical professionals need to engage with their female patients more. Take note of the pains, symptoms, concerns they might flag, because it’s their bodies they’re operating on after all.
What happens next?
According to Gov UK, the Taskforce is set to implement urgent changes in the way the UK’s maternity care works. £25 million has been raised to help tackle the causes of maternal death, improve bereavement facilities and more.
Speaking on the matter, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, recently shared:
“I ordered an independent national investigation into NHS maternity and neonatal services to make sure families harmed by maternity care get the truth and accountability they deserve.
“…Baroness Amos will deliver on this vital work this June, but to deliver truly meaningful change — so that other families do not face the ordeals too many are already enduring — we must be ready to act swiftly.”
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Laviea Thomas is an experienced freelance journalist based in London. With an interest in writing about music, culture, film, and entertainment, Laviea’s expertise often lies in exploring niche areas such as the rock and metal scene and championing Black representation in music and journalism. Her work can be seen in print, digital and broadcast formats, with bylines in NME, The Quietus, Metal Hammer and more.
She has experience in marketing and social media roles. Both of which have helped develop her SEO writing skills, newsletter curation, weekly calendar ideations and scheduling, and using analytical reports as a benchmark for maximising on content outreach.
Over the years, Laviea has been an active panellist discussing fundamental conversations in the music industry, such as diversity and inclusion, and the importance of grassroots venues. She has been a panel guest for Kerrang! Focus Wales Festival, Future Yard and more.
Additionally, she has been a repeat panel voter for the BRIT Awards, including their 'Rising Star' category. In 2025, she made her debut on the MOBO Awards voting academy. In previous years, she has worked with PRS Foundation, Future PLC, Festival Republic, and the Heavy Music Awards.
Between 2024 and 2025, Laviea developed her broadcast journalism skills in on-screen content for Slayer, Boomtown and Download Festival. A space she hopes to continue growing in. In addition, she has adapted event planning and hosting skills, with the organisation and presentation of Abbey Road Institute's Alumni Networking Event and 10th Anniversary Party.
With seven years of experience in the music industry, Laviea has gained a broad palette of expertise in journalism, social media, creative copywriting, marketing and music PR.
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