Clare’s Women’s Network is urging the Government to ensure that COVID-19 restrictions are eased across all maternity services to allow birthing partners to be present at all times during the pregnancy.
Government plans due to be announced later this week will aim to introduce national guidelines, but it’s reported that “local circumstances” may see different policies around visitors continue in some hospitals.
The Irish Examiner reports that partners of expectant mothers will continue to be excluded from scans and early labour in some regions.
So far there have been no COVID-19 maternal deaths in Ireland and less than 200 cases of the virus among pregnant women.
Clare Women’s Network Coordinator, Elaine D’Alton, says the restrictions are unacceptable.
