Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

RCM's new guide warns on discrimination against pregnant migrant women

RCM's new guide warns on discrimination against pregnant migrant women

THE new guidance from the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has stated that maternity care for migrant women must not be refused or delayed by immigration status or ability to pay.

Published with support from Public Health England on Monday (20) for midwives, maternity support workers and other maternity staff, the guide outlines the duty of care health staff have towards vulnerable migrant women.


It also advised staff to support them in areas such as mental health, interpreting and financial support.

“The role of midwives and their colleagues is to give these women the care and support they need and are entitled to. Any issues around immigration status and whether or not they should pay for their care are not the responsibility of midwives or MSW,” said Clare Livingstone, professional policy advisor, RCM and the guide’s author.

The guide sets out how to assess women initially, along with advice on communication, how to ensure women’s safety and making sure there are no barriers to any ongoing care needs.

According to ONS data, one in four women is a survivor of sexual violence, and forced migration increases the likelihood of this happening.

The guide also gives key points to consider in the care of survivors of female genital mutilation (FGM).

Ros Bragg, director of Maternity Action said: “Charging migrant women for maternity care increases stress and anxiety for a group who are already at increased risk of destitution and homelessness. Many women avoid maternity as they are fearful of incurring debts they cannot pay.

"Our research has shown that exemptions from charging are not working. Vulnerable women are being wrongly invoiced for care and Trusts are aggressively pursuing debts from women who are manifestly unable to pay."

RCM guide has clarified that various myths such as those saying all migrants must pay for NHS care and midwives have a duty to report immigration status are wrong.

Livingstone added: “There must be no barriers that prevent or make these women fearful of coming to our maternity services for the care they need. This can have very serious consequences for their pregnancy, their baby and their own health.

"Migrant women have a right to NHS maternity services, just like any other woman in this country. Midwives also should not be pressured into reporting women’s immigration status."

More For You

Man sentenced for racist death threat emails to Rishi Sunak

Rishi Sunak (Photo: Getty Images)

Man sentenced for racist death threat emails to Rishi Sunak

A 21-year-old man has been sentenced to 14 weeks' imprisonment and a two-year restraining order for sending racist death threats to Rishi Sunak in June last year, when he was the prime minister.

Liam Shaw from Birkenhead in Merseyside, pleaded guilty to sending two threatening and offensive emails to the public parliamentary email address of Sunak, MP for Richmond and Northallerton in Yorkshire, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said.

Keep ReadingShow less
Royal Navy names first Hindu chaplain
First Hindu chaplin Bhanu Attri (C) on the parade ground with fellow passing out cadets (Photo: Royal Navy)

Royal Navy names first Hindu chaplain

AN ASIAN officer has spoken of his “profound honour” after he was appointed as the first-ever Hindu chaplain in the Royal Navy.

Bhanu Attri, originally from Himachal Pradesh in north India, took over his new role last week and will offer spiritual support to fellow naval officers, based on the tenets of Hinduism.

Keep ReadingShow less
Sikh men

The victims, believed to be in their 60s and 70s, were taken to hospital after the incident and later discharged. (Photo for representation: iStock)

Three arrested over alleged racial attack on elderly Sikh men

THREE men have been arrested following a shocking attack on two elderly Sikh men outside Wolverhampton Railway Station, which is now being investigated as a racially-aggravated hate crime.

British Transport Police (BTP) confirmed on Monday (18) that the assault took place on Friday (15). The victims, believed to be in their 60s and 70s, were taken to hospital after the incident and later discharged.

Keep ReadingShow less
Asian Rich List UK economy

Chris Blackhurst

Getty Images

Asian Rich List shows value of migrant entrepreneurs to UK economy, says expert

BRITAIN needs more talented migrants who can create jobs and wealth in this country, a media expert has said, citing evidence from the latest edition of Eastern Eye’s Asian Rich List 2025.

Writing in the Independent on Saturday (16), Chris Blackhurst argued that “against the present backdrop of protests against immigration, the Asian Rich List illustrates that the UK has so much to be thankful for.” He added, “It is hard to imagine where the economy, wider society, would be without the loyalty, tenacity and public spirit of those on the list and the ones ascending fast. We urgently need more like them, not less.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Shiv Katha at Siddhashram in memory of Air India plane crash victims

Shiv Katha at Siddhashram in memory of Air India plane crash victims

Mahesh Liloriya

London. A five-day Shiv Katha has begun at the International Siddhashram Shakti Centre to honour the victims of the tragic Air India crash, with prayers offered for their eternal peace. The programme, running from 18 to 22 August, is being led by HH Shri Rajrajeshwar Guruji with recitations by PP Shri Jogi Dada, and attended by devotees and dignitaries from India and abroad.

Opening the Katha, Shri Jogi Dada called it both a spiritual gathering and a heartfelt tribute to the passengers of the Ahmedabad–London flight. “Mahadev’s darshan equals a pilgrimage. It is inspiring to see the younger generation engaging in bhakti, which is vital for preserving our heritage."

Keep ReadingShow less