Women's Rights In Healthcare 2020

Women's Rights in Healthcare 

If you missed any of our Women's Rights in Healthcare 2020 virtual series, you can catch up on the conversation below by viewing our recordings.

First Do No Harm

The 'First Do No Harm' report followed Baroness Cumberlege's invitation into the consequences of the use of Sodium Valproate in pregnancy, as well as Primodos and vaginal mesh. The report made several recommendations, which patient groups are keen to see action taken on. Boz Michalowska and Zahra Nanji of Leigh Day's product liability and consumer safety team discuss the review's outcomes and implications. Maria Panteli from the medical negligence team at Leigh Day, who represented clients whose health has been affected by Sodium Valproate, also contributes.

Campaigning for women's rights

Chaired by Suzanne White. Amika George, activist and founder of the Free Periods campaign, and Diane Danzebrink, the menopause expert behind the #MakeMenopauseMatter campaign, spoke about the fantastic strides they've made. They reflect on the challenges they've faced in breaking taboos and encouraging public discussion of women's menstrual issues. 

Endometriosis. – The Hidden Disease

Endometriosis is a condition that affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive age in the UK. Fran Bell started suffering from endometriosis symptoms in 1997, aged 14 but wasn't taken seriously. Eventually, she received a diagnosis in 2014, by which time she was infertile and needed extensive surgery. Fran spoke about her experience and the consequences of the failure to diagnose her condition. Along with Andrew Baxter, a Consultant Gynaecologist and Emma Cox, Chief Executive of Endometriosis UK. This webinar was chaired by Stephen Jones

Reducing inequality and risk in childbirth.

Olive Lewin is joined by our speakers, Elsie Gayle and Clotilde Rebecca Abe discussed the midwife's role, current issues in the delivery of care and possible solutions. 

Elsie is an independent midwife and founder of 'Midwifery Conversations', a holistic, non-governmental organisation dedicated to sustainable and 'culturally safe' maternity services.

Clotilde, or Clo, is the founder of @_Prosperitys. This mental wellbeing social enterprise supports Black and south Asians mums in Lambeth and Southwark. She is also co-founder of #fivexmore.

Menopause and perineal injury

Our panel of experts discussed what can be done by doctors, midwives, charities and peers to better educate and prepare women for childbirth. They will also consider the consequences of a birth injury on a woman's body at different stages of her life. They discuss the problems women face, particularly approaching menopause and what they need to know and how to get help. With opening and closing remarks by Sanja Strkljevic

Mental capacity and childbirth

Suzanne White chaired this webinar where our speakers explained the application of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, the need for cases to be referred to the Court of Protection. The approach the court takes, as well as considering the sorts of issues that arise from a clinical perspective and offering proposals for improving decision-making in this area and promoting pregnant women's autonomy. 

Politics, the Law and the Right to choose

Abortion is one of the only aspects of healthcare reliant on specific legislation, case law, and political support. Providing high-quality care for women and clients relies not only on clinical best practice but an ongoing work in parliament and the courts. 2020 has seen considerable changes to abortion law and provision across the UK – this session, chaired by Angharad Vaughan, spoke about how these changes happened, the impact they have, and the work done to protect, defend, and advance reproductive health and rights.