The heartbreaking fight of an East Kilbride mum who had to deliver her stillborn baby in a labour ward has been taken to Holyrood.
Louise Caldwell began a petition in October calling on dedicated facilities in maternity units for women who experience complications which has secured more than 25,000 signatures.
It was during a routine 12-week scan two years ago that mum-of-three Louise received the devastating news that the baby she was carrying didn't have a heartbeat – a pain compounded further by the news that she would have to go to hospital to deliver her stillborn child on a labour ward.
While the SNP manifesto includes a pledge to create dedicated facilities within maternity units for women who are experiencing unexpected pregnancy complications – a recent Motion on Women's Health put to and passed by the Scottish Parliament made no mention of this.
Now Louise, 38, from The Murray, is calling for urgent action rather than "empty" words to stop yet more women going through the same ordeal she suffered.
"I feel as if we are no further forward. I didn't even know the SNP had included what I have been calling for in their manifesto.
"How many more women have to suffer before things change? We need action now, not a year or two years or more from now.
"But I can't do this on my own. I need as many women as possible across the country to shout as loudly as they can, go to their MSPs and MPs and Tweet. My one wee voice isn't enough."
Since launching the petition, Louise has received the backing of the Liberal Democrats and in particular East Kilbride councillor, Fiona Dryburgh.
She put a motion to the Lib Dem conference and the dedicated facilities for perinatal care became a policy within their manifesto.
And MSP Beatrice Wishart from Liberal Democrats recently highlighted Louise's petition in Holyrood as part of the debate on Women's Health.
She went on: "I can't thank the Lib Dems enough and Councillor Dryburgh for their support.
"She set up a pledge and a website dedicated to my campaign but I was so disappointed that despite Beatrice Wishart speaking on my behalf there was no mention of dedicated facilities in the motion that was eventually passed.
"That is shocking – how more pertinent to women's health is giving birth?"
Louise said she has been contacted by countless families who have went through the same horrific experience she did and that she and so many others are still haunted by the experience to this day.
"There is nothing worse than standing at those doors knowing I would soon be walking out without my baby while other women are bringing their babies into the world," she added.
"As soon as you enter the labour you are met with newborn baby photos on walls, thank you cards, baby cries and proud partners. You never recover from something like that."
Councillor Dryburgh said: "There has been lots of talk.
"But so far the Lib Dems are the only ones that have been active in trying to support the campaign and effect change through Parliament.
"Even though SNP have added it to their manifesto it wasn't part of the motion passed recently – there was no mention of dedicated facilities for those suffering pregnancy loss.
"I think it’s time for action. Not just words."
East Kilbride SNP MSP, Collette Stevenson, said: "I understand the Scottish Government are actively developing plans to ensure dedicated units are available for women who experience unexpected pregnancy complications.
"Since last week’s debate in Parliament, I have written to the Minister for Public Health to ask when these facilities will be available and if the Scottish Government will open any consultations or facilitate discussions with women who have experienced miscarriage. It’s really important we get this right and prioritise the issues which Louise has raised."
A Scottish Government spokesman added: "We are committed to establishing a dignified, compassionate miscarriage service tailored to the needs of women.
"The aim is to support the development of individualised care plans after a woman’s first miscarriage and ensure maternity departments have dedicated facilities for women who are experiencing unexpected pregnancy complications."
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