To improve maternity services we must confront the damaging ideology that prizes “normal childbirth” over safe care

BMJ 2026 Open access

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Authors: James Titcombe
DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2026-100094
Cited by: 4
References: 3

Abstract

To improve maternity services we must confront the damaging ideology that prizes "normal childbirth" over safe care James Titcombe chief executiveThe review of maternity services at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust is a devastating read. 1 It found that, between 2012 and 2025, 520 women and babies experienced potentially avoidable harm, including 156 babies and six mothers whose deaths might have been prevented with better care.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Maternal and Perinatal Health Interventions Global Maternal and Child Health Healthcare innovation and challenges

Publication details

Journal / source
BMJ
Publisher
BMJ
Volume
393
Pages
e100094–e100094
Publication date
28 June 2026
Language
EN