Group B Strep Support today gave evidence to Module 3 of the Covid-19 Inquiry, as part of a coalition of 13 leading pregnancy, birth and early parenting charities. We exposed the significant impact of the decisions made about the management and delivery of maternity and neonatal services during the pandemic, and the devastating impact this had on pregnant women and people, new parents, and their families.
The 13 organisations (full list below) are collectively acting as a Core Participant to the Inquiry, representing the voices of the hundreds of thousands of new parents and families who experienced pregnancy and new parenthood, including neonatal admission, miscarriage and baby loss, across the UK during the pandemic.
The charities seek to highlight the experiences of these families, whose needs were consistently overlooked in critical healthcare decisions, and the impact this has had on them and their babies.
Jane Plumb MBE FRCOG FRSA, CEO of Group B Strep Support said:
The Covid-19 pandemic exposed and exacerbated deep inequalities in maternity care, leaving pregnant women and people and new parents to face immense challenges, and all too often alone. The lack of support during critical moments – from miscarriage to birth – and the isolation new parents experienced, highlights the urgent need for better policies and support systems. As we look to the future, it is crucial we prioritise the wellbeing of pregnant and birthing women and people, parents, and their babies, ensuring they receive the care and support they deserve at every stage.
The charities presenting evidence to the Inquiry are:
Aching Arms, Baby Lifeline, Bliss, The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust, Group B Strep Support, ICP Support, The Lullaby Trust, The Miscarriage Association, NCT (National Childbirth Trust), Pelvic Partnership, Pregnancy Sickness Support, Tommy’s and Twins Trust.
