We can no longer be silent.

As a recent mother who has just gone through Ireland’s pre- and postnatal care system, and after speaking with countless other women, I feel compelled to speak up. Not only for myself, but for past, present, and future mothers in this country.

It is unfortunate in today’s world we forget the simple and beautiful truth: The only reason you or I are here or reading this, is because of a woman. And yet, women, especially mothers, have become almost invisible in the very system meant to care for us at our most vulnerable.

Our maternity hospitals are outdated, under-resourced, and unfit for the needs of mothers and their babies.

Childbirth is a moment filled with both joy and fear. The institutions designed to support women through it are failing us.

When I attended A&E at the Rotunda, I was shocked. No adequate changing facilities. No private space for feeding. Chairs literally falling apart. My local shopping centre offers better conditions for parents than our national maternity hospitals. That is just surface level conditions. 

But the physical environment is only part of the problem.

There is also an urgent need to improve training, culture, and accountability within maternity care.

During my time in the Rotunda, I experienced two deeply traumatic moments that will take years to process. And when I speak to other women, I hear similar stories again and again. Stories that are often buried under fear, shame, or exhaustion.

A short story for you:

Your mid pushing on your first. First pregnancy, labour, baby, or just first time in any hospital. You’re vulnerable, scared, exhausted.

You’ve been pushing for an hour when the midwife’s manager storms into the room and pronounced with a slight grin, ‘ITS NOT LOOKING GOOD IS IT?.’

You’re in utter shock because the pushing seemed to be going to plan you start to ask

Was my baby okay? Was my partner okay? Am I okay?

Moments later, through a slip of conversation, I learn the truth: I am essentially part of a bet among staff about whether I will end up needing an emergency C-section, and they think they are about to win.

In that moment, I believed I was losing the child I had spent 38 careful weeks growing.

That fear is now permanently etched into me.

To this day still ask myself:Do we not train empathy? Compassion? Basic respect?

Because too many women have a story like mine, whether in maternity hospitals or the wider public health system

Enough is enough.

For far too long, women in Ireland have accepted substandard maternity care. We deserve better. Our daughters deserve better. Every future mother deserves better.

I am asking you to sign this petition to demand:

• Modern, safe, hygienic maternity facilities
• Proper parent-friendly spaces, including feeding rooms and adequate seating
• Updated equipment and infrastructure
• Stronger training standards for all maternity staff
• A culture of respect, empathy, and accountability. 

Your signature is a step toward ensuring safe, dignified, compassionate maternity care in Ireland—once and for all.

Let’s speak up about our experiences.

Let’s demand the care that every woman deserves.

Please sign and help us create real change.