This is where we’ll share the latest updates, public statements, Freedom of Information requests, campaign actions, media coverage and ways to get involved with Gloucestershire Maternity Action Group.
GMAG was formed in response to the suspension of home birth services and the wider threat to community-based, midwife-led maternity care in Gloucestershire. This page will help keep a clear public record of what is happening, what questions are being asked, and what action is being taken.
We believe women and families deserve transparent information, lawful consultation, and genuine access to safe, local maternity choices — including home birth, birth centres and continuity of care. If you would like to support the campaign through research, admin, media work, community outreach, legal support, events or practical help, please get in touch.
FOI Request – Internal Proposal and Rationale for Reinstating Home Birth Services
GMAG has submitted a Freedom of Information request asking what evidence, figures and safety models Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has used when developing its current proposal for reinstating home birth services. Continuity of midwifery care is one of the strongest evidence-based models for improving women’s experiences and reducing intervention, so the public has a right to know why this has not been prioritised.
Freedom of Information Request – Independent Midwife Provision for Planned Home Birth Support
FOI request seeking clarity on whether Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has properly explored using Independent Midwives to support planned home birth provision, and what discussions, risk assessments, costings and decisions have shaped the current plans for community birth services.
Freedom of Information Request – Stroud Maternity Unit & Planned Home Birth Activity
FOI Request to gather details of number of community births that have been booked over the last 5 years. Note this does NOT constitute the true demand for the service - read more inside
News & Actions Nov ‘25 - May ‘26
Many of the early FOI requests, news updates and background articles relating to Gloucestershire’s home birth suspension and wider community maternity changes were first recorded on Emma’s Antenatal advocacy pages between November 2025 and May 2026. With thanks to Stroud Motherhood Collective and our first GMAG members, this new site will now become the central place for updates, actions and ways to get involved.