Empowering women during childbirth (The Lancet, 5 July 2025)

Summary

Childbirth can be a defining life experience, but it can also be disempowering for many women. The UK Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, has announced the launch of a national investigation into the failings of maternity services, after reports showing a culture of women not being listened to, their pain and concerns dismissed. Unfortunately, this is a global issue, with women frequently experiencing suboptimal care during childbirth. Many women enter labour unprepared for what is coming. Much harm comes from two competing ideologies about childbirth, neither based on best evidence, and both tarnishing the experience of labour, as this Lancet editorial explores.