In fact, no-one will have a problem with the aims of Maternity Matters,which promises to offer every pregnant woman in England choices aboutwhere to access pre- and postnatal care and where to give birth.
But, although health secretary Patricia Hewitt refused to be drawn onthe finer details last week, many people are asking questions which willneed answers before this vision can become reality.
First up, there are ongoing tensions between the choice agenda and thefinancial turbulence experienced by health trusts. Central governmentand local trusts want to reconfigure services in order to offermums-to-be better access to regional centres of excellence andcommunity-based midwifery services, and more confidence in choosing ahome birth. However, some campaigners and healthcare professionals areopposed to the move, suspecting that it is primarily about balancingbooks. They also point out that it could leave many women less willingto consider a non-hospital-based birth due to the distances they'll haveto travel if problems arise during labour.
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