One Year On from the Birth Trauma Inquiry: A Step Forward, but Still a Long Road Ahead 

In May 2024, the UK Birth Trauma Inquiry—led by MPs Theo Clarke and Rosie Duffield—delivered a landmark report that shone a light on a long-neglected issue: the prevalence and lasting impact of traumatic birth experiences. Titled “Listen to Mums: Ending the Postcode Lottery on Perinatal Care,” the report drew on the voices of over 1,300 women and nearly 100 maternity professionals. Its message was clear: too many women are suffering needlessly due to inadequate, inconsistent, and often disrespectful maternity care. 

One year on, has enough changed? 

A Shift in the Right Direction 

There’s no doubt the inquiry has helped reset the national conversation around birth trauma. What was once an under-recognised issue is now a central pillar of the UK’s Women’s Health Strategy. In the past year, we’ve seen: 

• Improved mental health support: Several NHS Trusts have expanded access to specialist perinatal mental health services. Trauma-informed counselling is being integrated more broadly, and there’s growing recognition that birth trauma can have severe and long-term psychological impacts, including PTSD. 

• Enhanced training: Some trusts have introduced or piloted mandatory trauma-informed care training for midwives and obstetric staff. The Avoiding Brain Injuries in Childbirth scheme has been rolled out nationally.  It is hoped this will give staff the right tools and training to deliver better care to women and their babies.  

• Earlier reporting of incidents: Thanks to initiatives such as NHS Resolution’s Early Notification Scheme, there’s been a welcome increase in the speed at which serious incidents are investigated and learned from. Hospitals are required to inform NHS Resolution of maternity incidents that meet specific criteria and NHS Resolution then investigate. This not only helps to provide answers to families at an early stage but also helps to identify areas for improvement to ensure that lessons are learnt.  

• Raised public awareness: Perhaps most importantly, the report validated the experiences of women who felt ignored, belittled or failed during one of the most significant events of their lives. Birth trauma is no longer a hidden issue. 

But Progress Remains Patchy 

For all these gains, the picture remains far from complete. 

Despite ministerial apologies and policy promises, systemic failures persist. Too many women still describe feeling dismissed, uninformed or unsupported during pregnancy, labour and after birth. While some Trusts are embracing the changes, implementation remains heavily dependent on local leadership, resourcing, and cultural willingness to adapt. 

This patchwork approach risks perpetuating the very “postcode lottery” the report aimed to address. 

Why Legal Accountability Still Matters 

At Fletchers Solicitors, we see first-hand how traumatic birth experiences can leave mothers traumatised, babies suffering brain injuries which are life long and families left to pick up the pieces when mistakes have been made. From failures in clinical decision-making, staff who are over stretched and failures in basic communication, the cost of substandard maternity is substantial, maternity really matters but is enough being done to improve services.  

While the goal must always be prevention, legal accountability plays a critical role in pushing for safer care. As long as systemic issues remain, it is essential that women, children and families who have been failed by the system can access justice and compensation. Our specialist birth injury team continues to support clients affected by poor maternity care, ensuring their voices are heard, lessons are learned and they are adequately compensated.  

A Call for Continued Commitment 

The first anniversary of the Birth Trauma Inquiry should not be a moment of quiet reflection, but one of renewed urgency. The momentum it created is valuable—but fragile. 

To truly honour the bravery of the women who shared their stories, we need to see: 

• Full implementation of the Inquiry’s 12 recommendations across all Trusts; 

• Consistent access to postnatal mental health support services; 

• Greater transparency and learning from adverse outcomes; 

• And an unwavering commitment to treating every woman with dignity, respect and compassion. 

One year on, the progress is encouraging—but incomplete. There is still a long road ahead before we can confidently say that every woman in the UK deserves a safe, supported and respectful birth experience.  

Sahida Patel is a Partner at Fletchers, and heads up the Birth Injury Team in Leeds. She has over 27 years’ experience in representing claimants in complex and high value medical negligence claims, often involving birth injuries,  cerebral palsy or other brain injuries.

Find out more about how our team could support your birth injury claim.