The NCT data show that 96% of women still do not have access to real choice of a home birth with midwife, a local midwifery facility or an obstetric unit.
In 2007, the government pledged that all women in England would have access to a choice of places to give birth by the end of 2009.
Belinda Phipps, chief executive of the NCT, said there was huge task ahead. ‘We know across the UK, government policies support women with this choice, she said. ‘However, in reality this is not even close to being delivered yet.'
She added: ‘We want the governments to act now. Although in a few cases more investment in maternity services will be needed, with a simple re-thinking of the way their maternity services are delivered every trust and board can ensure choice is available to all women.'
