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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle
Guardian community team

Tell us: have you been denied epidurals during childbirth?

A newborn baby held by his mother moments after birth.
A newborn baby held by his mother moments after birth. Photograph: Lionel Wotton / Alamy/Alamy

Matt Hancock, the health secretary, recently vowed to investigate allegations that some women have been denied epidurals during childbirth.

An investigation by the Sunday Telegraph claimed that mothers had been refused pain-relieving injections because doctors told them they were either not sufficiently or too far dilated.

A number of hospital trusts are accused of denying requests for epidurals from women during labour.

We would like to speak to women who have been denied epidurals during childbirth.

Share your experiences

We are interested in hearing in detail from women who have been denied an epidural while in labour. What happened? Why were you told you couldn’t have one? How did this make you feel? How did it affect your experience of childbirth? Did you complain at the time or afterwards? Are you still affected by it?

You can get in touch by filling in the encrypted form below, anonymously if you wish. Only the Guardian will see your responses and one of our journalists may be in touch for more information.

If you’re having trouble using the form, click here. Read terms of service here.

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