Helen Morgan Introduces Bill Ensuring Equal Access to Maternity Services In All Rural Areas
Helen Morgan, MP for North Shropshire, has tabled a bill in parliament today which calls on the Government to offer equal maternity services access to people living in rural and coastal areas to those living in other areas.
The Maternity Services (Rural Areas) bill also calls on equal access to the same range of birthing methods and locations. It also requires consultant-led maternity services to be available within 45 minutes of an expectant mother’s home.
The bill was given its first reading in the House of Commons today with a second reading scheduled for Friday 18th March. Then it will be up to the Government and fellow parliamentarians to decide it’s future. Helen has urged them to back the bill.
Commenting Helen said: “This bill will guarantee millions of mothers in rural England a real choice of birthing methods and locations.
I’m urging the Government to do everything it can to address the postcode lottery many expectant mothers find themselves in.”