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Maternity clinic for survivors of rape and sexual assault opens

A maternity clinic for survivors of rape has opened its doors at the Royal London Hospital.
Royal London Hospital

A maternity clinic for survivors of rape has opened its doors at the Royal London Hospital.

Royal London Hospital
 My Body Back held its first maternity clinic on July 29 at The Royal London Hospital Picture: Alamy

The My Body Back maternity clinic will provide clinical and psychological support from midwives, psychologists and paedatricians.

It has been developed in response to comments made by women who experienced flashbacks of the attack while, even years later, undergoing routine maternity tests, and loss of control during labour.

Women will be offered extended appointment times, specialist gynaecological exams and mental health support.

Care and support

The clinic's opening has been welcomed by Royal College of Midwives' director for midwifery Louise Silverton, who said she was keen to see similar schemes across the UK.

‘One in five women in England and Wales has experienced rape, sexual assault and also childhood sexual abuse,' she said.

‘This service will not only provide care for this group of vulnerable women, but also support increasing the skills of a wider group of professionals who may be called on to provide care for women who may only disclose a past history or may exhibit reawakening of earlier trauma.’

Women will be able to have more of a say on how their birthing rooms are laid out and legal advice over their medical checks.

And women who are not yet pregnant can also access pre-conceptual care, while those in other countries can receive video-call support.

My Body Back Project

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