Petition aims to overturn ban on partners in delivery rooms

A petition has been launched seeking to overturn the decision to ban partners from delivery rooms at the Midland Regional Hospital in Mullingar.

On Thursday last, the Ireland East Hospital Group (IEHG)– of which Mullingar Hospital is a part – issued a statement announcing that it was implementing a ‘no partners or children’ visitor ban in the maternity unit due to the ongoing challenge from the Covid-19 coronavirus. The group confirmed that the ban on visitors in the maternity unit also meant a ban from the delivery rooms.

Similar measures were taken at a number of other maternity hospitals around the globe. 

In announcing the ban on partners, the IEHG stated that the ban is being imposed in order to protect mothers and their newborn babies as well as staff and other patients within the hospital.

The statement said "exceptions will be made in outstanding circumstances" to its ban on parents of expectant mothers attending births.

"We hope that our visiting restrictions can be lifted as soon as possible," said the statement.

"We appreciate all the support and understanding the public have given the hospital during this very difficult time."

Campaigners have pointed out that the decision is at odds with the World Health Organisation's guidelines. However, some countries, including France, have announced a nationwide ban on birthing partners during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

At the time of writing, the petition had around 1500 signatures and a number of comments from expectant mothers who are scared at the prospect of giving birth alone, and fathers who will miss out on their birth of their child.

"Studies have shown time and time again how vital a birthing partner is during the labour and delivery process. Yet these are being ignored now when we need their support the most," said one of the people supporting the petition.

The petition can be viewed via the following link: https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/no-woman-should-have-to-birth-alone

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