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Written question asked by Michelle Donelan (Conservative) on Monday, 21 November 2016, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 23 November 2016. It was answered by Philip Dunne (Conservative) on Monday, 28 November 2016 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Childbirth

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what help and advice on charitable post-natal support is available to expectant mothers who are due to give birth to a severely disabled child.

Answer

If testing during pregnancy indicates the baby will be born with a disability, the parents should be offered counselling to allow them to discuss the impact of the diagnosis. They may also be offered an appointment to meet a doctor or other health professional who works with children who are disabled, who can also tell them more about the condition and answer any questions they may have.

NHS Choices has extensive information on caring for ill and premature babies and has dedicated information on babies born with disabilities. It signposts some of the voluntary bodies that can be of assistance, for example, BLISS, Contact a Family and Disabled Living Foundation plus information available from local authorities on local organisations that may be able to help. This information can be found here:

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/baby-special-intensive-care.aspx

Public Health England's Start4Life Information Service for Parents - a subscription email service for parents-to-be and parents of children aged up to five - includes guidance for parents of disabled children on the sources of support available, including financial assistance.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
54070
Session
2016-17
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Disability Advisory services Pregnancy Childbirth Pregnancy complications
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk