§ Mr. BaronTo ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to his Answer of 15 December,Official Report, column 772W, on maternity services, to what extent women are able to choose whether they will be seen in a midwifery-led maternity unit; and what effect the policy of their local health authority has on choice.[146324]
§ Dr. LadymanWe expect midwife led maternity care to be one of the options available to women and their families. A woman's decision to give birth in a midwife led unit should be a matter for informed discussion between the woman and the health professionals responsible for providing her care
It is up to local health organisations, working with their communities and other local partners, to provide high quality maternity services that are both as safe and as accessible as possible to women and their families.
§ Mr. BaronTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether it is the Government's policy that women should be able to choose to be treated in a midwife-led maternity unit.[146325]
§ Dr. LadymanIt is Government policy that women should be able to choose to have midwife led maternity care. A woman's decision to give birth in a midwife led maternity unit should be a matter for informed discussion between the woman and the health professionals responsible for providing her care.