Allow partners to fully attend maternity appointments during the pandemic.

Rejected 17 signatures

What the petition asks

The Government should allow all partners to attend any maternity appointments for their unborn child during the pandemic and be there to support their partners at all stages of labour. Face coverings and social distancing could still be maintained to minimise any risk of COVID transmission.

An unborn child is as much the father's responsibility as its mothers. It is only right that they should be present at all appointments & get the opportunity to see their child for the first time on any scans, find out its gender & be there in the event of any unfortunate news. Mothers need support during labour & partners should be allowed to be them from as soon as they are admitted into hospital, not just once they are 5cm dilated. Face coverings & social distancing could still be maintained.

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

28 Oct 2020	Petition opened for signatures
3 Nov 2020	Rejected by the Petitions Committee

Key facts

Signatures 17

Status Rejected

Rejected 3 Nov 2020

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