Birth Outside the System – Law, Choice and Professional Duties

Course Outline:

Designed for midwives, obstetricians, maternity managers, Directors and Heads of Midwifery, independent practitioners, birth workers and doulas. This course clarifies the difference between law and guidance and equips delegates to support informed choice when women and birthing people seek care outside NHS pathways or national guidelines. It aims to reduce professional fear and provide practical tools to support safe, lawful, rights-based practice.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• Distinguish between guidance, policy and law.
• Explain why national guidelines are advisory, not mandatory.
• Understand the relevance of key case law (Montgomery, Re MB, St George’s v S).
• Examine and communicate the strength of evidence across all areas of maternity care.
• Communicate evidence clearly and effectively to support genuine informed choice.
• Recognise professional accountability under NMC/GMC codes and understand boundaries for birth workers and doulas.
• Implement factual documentation to reduce complaints or regulatory action.
• Develop confidence by reducing fear of alternative birthing options.
• Analyse case studies to apply learning directly to practice.