Our Story

Our founder Theo Clarke suffered from a traumatic birth in 2022 which she spoke about powerfully in her speech in the House of Commons when she led the UK Parliament’s first debate in its’ 1000 year history on birth trauma.

UK Birth Trauma inquiry: In 2023 Theo set up the All Party Parliamentary Group on Birth Trauma with Rosie Duffield MP and they subsequently co-chaired the Birth Trauma Inquiry. They received an overwhelming response from the British public with 1300 responses and the initial deadline for evidence extended to accommodate the influx of evidence.

The widespread response to the inquiry’s report brought the issue into the national conversation, with extensive media coverage as the public came forward to share their experiences of birth and perinatal support. The movement has mobilised the public, politicians and practitioners.

The Birth Trauma Inquiry reported in May 2024 with a full set of recommendations for the UK Government to consider and resulted in policy changes which were announced by the Prime Minister and Health Secretary.

Birth trauma is a global issue and similar discussions have been started in the US and Australia, with The Australian newspaper calling it the “Me Too” moment for birth.

The Global Birth Trauma Alliance was set up to continue the cross party campaign to improve maternity services in the UK and around the world.