MIDWIVES AND MATERNITY SERVICES

Early day motion 293, tabled 19 November 2007 by Lord Foster of Bath (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 129 members.

That this House notes with concern the fall in the proportion of the NHS workforce made up of midwives and the fall in the number of places for student midwives; further notes that in response to NHS deficits, one in three hospitals have cut funds for maternity care yet the number of live births in England rose 12.5 per cent. between 2001 and 2006; and calls on the Government to provide sufficient funds so that women are supported by the same midwife throughout their pregnancy and have access to their choice of antenatal and postnatal care.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 49, Labour 47, Conservative 16, DUP 7, Independent 3, Plaid Cymru 3, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Independent Labour 1, Respect 1.