Beginning of November 2020, the HSE restricted water birth services in Ireland without prior investigation or notice. This is a drastic step and it is further limiting the maternity & midwifery services in Ireland.

This suspension has been executed in an undemocratic way, without a conducted review or public discussion and is taking away a birthing option from expectant women. It is hurting the women’s right of autonomy in childbirth. It should be the right of a pregnant woman to determine the environment in which they will feel the most secure during labour. Especially when the service has been proven to be safe and gentle for both mother and baby. Furthermore, in times of a pandemic, where giving birth is already connected to uncertainty and limited choices, the suspension on water births further restricts maternity services. 

With this instance of restricting a nationally and internationally recognised service for delivering babies, the Irish health system is getting further away from the 2016 released “National Maternity Strategy” that states that “there is a lack of choice for expectant mothers (…).”

We need to step forward to stand our ground to get this birthing option back that was in place for 12 years so far. Also, we have to support our qualified and well-trained midwives whose services are being undermined by this suspension.

We - mothers, expectant mothers, partners, midwives and many more - need to get vocal in order to get this choice back and even further advance the birthing rights in Ireland by applying pressure on HSE and the government.

Besides signing this petition you can reach out to your local TD to file a complaint or email to waterbirthirl@gmail.com.