International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

A new report has indicated that the vast majority of women in the UK are not able to choose where they give birth.

Despite living in one of the world's most developed countries, 95.8 per cent of pregnant women in Britain do not have the choice they are promised by the government, the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) says.

It claims that 89 per cent of women live in areas that realistically do not offer the option of a home birth with a midwife, and over 40 per cent of women do not have guaranteed access to both a birth centre and an obstetric unit in a hospital.

Belinda Phipps, chief executive of the NCT, said that while government policies support women with their ability to choose, this is "not even close to being delivered yet" in reality.

She added: "We want the governments to act now. Although in a few cases more investment in maternity services will be needed, with a simple re-thinking of the way their maternity services are delivered every trust and board can ensure choice is available to all women."

Recent research conducted by Nurturing Birth indicated that a shortage of midwives is encouraging more expectant mothers to consult doulas - experienced women who offer maternal support services.