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A politician who recently had a baby has described the suspension of the home birth service as the "latest in a long line of examples of where women's health is not being prioritised" – and is urging health leaders to reconsider plans to ditch a standalone women's health strategy.
Deputy Lucy Stephenson also said that she has heard reports of women considering 'freebirthing' because they feel they have no other option, which she described as a "worry".
The Health Department suspended the home birth service in October to carry out an internal review of protocols, staff training, and resources.
Pictured: Deputy Lucy Stephenson is a vocal advocate for women's health matters in the States Assembly.
Speaking to Express, Deputy Stephenson said: "I sincerely hope the department maintains its commitment to reinstating the service and would urge those in charge to ensure this happens as quickly as possible, while of course ensuring it is safe to do so.
"It is really important that women have choice when it comes to birth and that those choices are supported in the most effective way possible to keep mums and babies as safe as they can be.
"I’ve already heard reports of women considering things like freebirthing because they now feel they have no other option, which is a worry."
Roslyn Bullen-Bell, Director of Midwifery, yesterday strongly cautioned islanders against giving birth at home without medical supervision – know as 'freebirthing'.
"Free birthing is not something I'd advocate at all," she said.
In yet another fantastic show of support for Jersey women I’m now hearing reports that the home birth service has been suspended (and has been for months), much to the frustration and upset of some mums-to-be ????????♀️ Come on Health just what is going on? @GovJersey pic.twitter.com/iw6JGojmGN
— Lucy Stephenson (@LucyStevoJSY) January 9, 2025
Deputy Stephenson added: "Having recently given birth myself I’m acutely aware of the need to not only give women – and their partners – options and support but to communicate well with them about those choices and their care more generally.
"It sounds like unfortunately in this case that hasn't been happening."
The politician believes the home birth suspension highlights a wider lack of prioritisation of women's health in Jersey.
She said: "It feels like this is the latest in a long line of examples of where women's health is not being prioritised, and I'd call on our leaders in health to start listening to the many people out there who feel the same way.
"I continue to believe we need a women's health strategy for Jersey."
Deputy Louise Doublet, who leads the Health Scrutiny Panel, also agreed that the home birth service suspension reaffirms the need for a women's health strategy.
The strategy was scrapped by government last year due to "limited staff resources".
At the time, Health Minister Tom Binet said: "The decision on the strategy document does not mean that work on women’s health stops or that it not regarded as important.
"Quite the opposite – we are reprioritising and intend to make best use of public funds in the areas where it is most needed."
A petition calling for the immediate reinstatement of the home birth service has gathered nearly 500 signatures in just three days.
The petition can be found HERE.
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