Allow partners in all pre/post-natal appointments and entirety of labour/birth.

Rejected 21 signatures

What the petition asks

Immediately remove the restrictions on partners being allowed in all pre and post-natal appointments and the entirety of labour/birth and post-birth in maternity wards, birth centres and hospitals in every part of the country.

The rules state women don't have to labour alone but partners aren't allowed at essential appointments or the birth until the mother is 4cm dilated or more. Appointments and early labour can be traumatic, mothers need support.
Partners carry minimal additional risk, they are from the same household. People are allowed in non-essential shops, pubs, restaurants but not maternity. This is essential for mothers' mental health and baby wellbeing.
Thanks to Holly Avis for the petition on change.org.

Why it was rejected

It asked for something that is not the responsibility of the UK Government or Parliament.

Decisions about visitors are a matter for the NHS, not the Government or House of Commons.

With regard to antenatal appointments, scans, and the birth itself, on 5 June, the NHS’s suspension of hospital visiting was lifted. This means that visiting is now subject to local discretion by trusts and other NHS bodies. You should check with your maternity team and sonography unit for their policy on visitors attending antenatal appointments, including scans.

Timeline

23 Sep 2020	Petition opened for signatures
29 Sep 2020	Rejected by the Petitions Committee

Key facts

Signatures 21

Status Rejected

Rejected 29 Sep 2020

Follow this petition