Homerton Hospital Pauses Home Birth Service

Homerton Hospital in Hackney has temporarily paused its home birth service following a review. The provision is expected to resume by Friday 9 October, or earlier if possible, after an assurance and improvement process. The decision has led to at least 10 expectant mothers having their birth plans cancelled at short notice.

A spokesperson for Homerton Healthcare NHS Trust told the BBC that a review of procedure and documentation for home births was being carried out. The spokesperson confirmed the decision was not taken due to staff shortages. The hospital stated that its home-birth midwifery team consists of approximately six midwives dedicated to providing continuous care.

Impact on Expectant Mothers

Expectant mothers have expressed anxiety about the decision, with some finding out about the pause through social media. Olivia Wilson, who is due to have a home birth in November, told BBC London she found the lack of direct communication unsettling. She had previously experienced positive home births with the hospital and praised the care received.

Scores of protesters gathered at the hospital on Tuesday morning to call for an immediate resumption of home births. Laura Mullarkey, legal lead at the charity Birth Rights, stated that individuals have a human right to choose their place of birth and public bodies have a duty to support these choices. She questioned the lawfulness, legitimate aim, and proportionality of the restriction.

Homerton Hospital acknowledged the significant impact of the pause on women planning home births, particularly at a late stage of pregnancy. The hospital has apologised and offered affected women a 'home from home birth' in one of the birthing suites within the Birth Centre. The home-birth midwifery team will continue to provide care and support throughout their pregnancies and after their babies are born.

Context of Home Birth Services

NHS maternity units in England are generally expected to offer women the choice of a midwife-assisted home birth, though these are not recommended for high-risk pregnancies. These services typically require two midwives. The suspension at Homerton follows a period where similar services have been temporarily suspended at other hospitals, often due to staff shortages.

Maternity units have faced increased scrutiny regarding their home-birth provision. In 2025, units across England were directed to review the safety and quality of their home birth services following a coroner's report into the deaths of a mother and baby after a home birth under North Manchester General Hospital in 2024. An inquest found neglect and failings in their care.

Between April and August this year, Homerton's maternity service recorded 2,388 total births, of which 37 were home births. The unit received a 'good' rating in its most recent inspection by the Care Quality Commission in 2023.