The Parliamentary Inquiry into Birth Trauma, published on 13 May 2024, makes deeply troubling reading. Led by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Birth Trauma, the inquiry received more than 1,300 written submissions from women and families across the UK.
Many of the accounts describe serious birth injuries caused by medical errors before, during, and after labour, alongside failures by hospitals to provide explanations or accountability. Most distressing were reports of women being treated without dignity or compassion- left unattended, ignored when asking for help, or dismissed when raising concerns about their own health or that of their baby.
The inquiry was instigated and chaired by Theo Clarke MP, who also led the first Parliamentary debate on birth trauma. Importantly, Ms Clarke’s involvement highlights that poor maternity care and birth injuries affect women from all backgrounds, regardless of socio-economic status.
A major focus of the inquiry was perineal tearing, clinically known as Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries (OASI).
Perineal tearing occurs during vaginal childbirth when the tissue between the vagina and anus stretches or tears as the baby is delivered. Tears are classified by severity:
The inquiry found that third and fourth degree tears can cause lifelong complications, including bowel incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.
Professor Mike Keighley, a colorectal surgeon, told the inquiry that many women present decades later with symptoms linked directly to undiagnosed childbirth injuries, stating:
“Incontinence or prolapse had either emerged for the first time or worsened, all due to an injury during childbirth that becomes unmanageable in later life.”
The inquiry identified instrumental (assisted) births as a significant risk factor.
Among the findings:
Yes. The inquiry confirmed that medical negligence can significantly increase the risk of severe perineal tears.
Examples include:
The inquiry revealed that perineal tears are frequently missed or misdiagnosed.
Professor Keighley reported that in 60% of cases involving third or fourth degree tears, the injury was missed at birth.
Misdiagnosis can have devastating consequences. One woman described how:
Where a tear is missed or incorrectly repaired, this may amount to medical negligence, giving rise to a birth injury compensation claim.
If a severe perineal tear is missed, misdiagnosed, or caused by negligent maternity care, a woman may be entitled to claim compensation.
Compensation can help cover:
A claim can also provide answers, accountability, and an apology from the NHS Trust involved.
If you or your baby have suffered a birth injury due to negligent care, you are not alone. What matters now is securing the support and compensation needed to fund recovery and future care.
Our birth injury solicitors have decades of combined experience handling complex medical negligence claims. We are:
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