International Women's Day sees North Shropshire MP put forward bill

Helen Morgan has tabled a bill that will go before Parliament on Tuesday (March 8) calling 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.

North Shropshire - @helenhalcrow

A Bill to ensure equal access to maternity services for people living in rural and coastal areas to those living in other areas. (Helen is self-isolating to Daisy Cooper will be presenting on her behalf) pic.twitter.com/RVVYjgnnb9

— Lib Dem Whips 🔶 (@LibDemWhips) March 8, 2022

It also requires consultant-led maternity services to be available within 45 minutes of an expectant mother’s home.

Ms Morgan 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.”

The bill was given its first reading in the House of Commons on Wednesday, however Ms Morgan was unable to attend as she is currently isolating after testing positive for Covid-19. Instead Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper will present it.

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A second reading is scheduled for Friday, March 18.

Then it will be up to the Government and fellow parliamentarians to decide it’s future.

Ms Morgan has urged them to back the bill.