Midwives, parents and campaigners were out in force in Northampton town centre on Sunday (November 20) declaring a “state of emergency” in maternity services.
The ‘March with Midwives’ was one of a series of events nationwide aimed at raising awareness of staff shortages and lack of funding in the sector.
Organisers said the first March, last November, carried the message that ‘enough is enough.’ But one said: “Nothing has really changed in 12 months, in fact it’s probably got worse.”
The group claims that for every 30 newly qualified midwives, 29 either leave the profession or never start and 60 percent of current UK midwives are considering quitting.
During the demo, organisers called for a minute’s silence for all NHS midwives who have left the profession with a heart painted on each person’s hand.
Below are photographs from the protest in Northampton town centre.
1. March with Midwives 2022
Campaigners braved the weather to get their point across in Abington Street Photo: Kirsty Edmonds
2. March with Midwives 2022
Organisers called for a minute's silence with hearts painted on hands 'in memory' of midwives who have been forced to quit Photo: Kirsty Edmonds
3. March with Midwives 2022
Placards spelt out the groups message over what they call a "state of emergency" in maternity care Photo: Kirsty Edmonds
4. March with Midwives 2022
Campaigners say 87 percent of midwives regularly don't have time to take bathroom breaks because of staff shortages Photo: Kirsty Edmonds