Women in labour being refused epidurals, official inquiry finds

Women in labour being refused epidurals, official inquiry finds Exclusive: minister to remind NHS trusts to follow official guidance on pain relief during childbirth

Women in labour are being refused epidurals in breach of official guidelines, a government inquiry has found.

In findings seen by the Guardian, an investigation by the Department of Health and Social Care also found that women may not be being kept fully informed that if they choose to give birth at home or in a midwife-led unit they may have to be transferred if they want an epidural. Failing to make women aware of that possibility would also be in breach of National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) guidelines.