The Labour Market: Women who have babies outside the NHS
A series of scandals involving mothers and babies have shaken some people’s confidence in NHS maternity care. But are alternatives safe, and is more regulation needed?
A series of scandals involving babies and mothers being harmed in hospital have shaken some people’s confidence in NHS maternity care. As a result, many women are looking for alternatives when they give birth. Some are seeking help from outside of the NHS; including paying independent midwives, and even ‘freebirthing’, where they receive no medical support at all. But how safe is this, and is more regulation needed?
Presenters: Rachel Stonehouse and Matthew Hill
Producer: Fergus Hewison
Production co-ordinator: Tim Fernley
Technical producer: Richard Hannaford
Editor: Carl Johnson
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Read the programme transcript
Some women are giving birth with help from outside the NHS. Is more regulation needed?
Broadcasts
- Tue 19 Nov 202420:00BBC Radio 4
- Wed 20 Nov 202411:00BBC Radio 4
Podcast
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