Woman who opted for homebirth was refused hospital treatment

A HEAVILY pregnant woman who sought treatment for bleeding at the National Maternity Hospital was refused a scan unless she abandoned plans for a homebirth.

Laura Burrell, 40, who had planned a homebirth with an independent midwife, claims Holles Street refused to treat her last week unless she transferred her care from her midwife to the hospital.

Ms Burrell, originally from South Africa, but now living in Shankill, Co. Dublin, went to the hospital on the advice of her midwife after experiencing some bleeding when she was almost full-term.