Louise Thompson’s Relentless Push for a Maternity Commissioner
Former Made In Chelsea star Louise Thompson, 35, is unwavering in her campaign to establish a dedicated maternity commissioner in the UK. Following a personally traumatic birth experience that led to a diagnosis of PTSD, Thompson has joined forces with former Conservative MP Theo Clarke. Their collaborative efforts stem from a parliamentary inquiry they spearheaded, which uncovered “shockingly poor quality” in maternity services across the nation.
Thompson recently shared an update with her followers, detailing her visit to the House of Lords. Her petition, advocating for the appointment of a maternity commissioner, has garnered over 147,000 signatures, a significant milestone that has prompted engagement from the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting.
“We’re still chipping away at our campaign to help birthing mothers because we can’t bare to hear one more story of loss, especially when it could have been prevented,” Thompson stated in a candid Instagram post. She expressed her resolute determination, declaring, “Not planning on leaving any stone unturned. I feel a bit like taxes and death. I will not go away.”
Thompson’s personal drive is deeply rooted in her own struggles. “For as long as I have flashback episodes, intrusive thoughts and other residual wounds I will endure enough anxiety + anger to keep pushing me forward on this mission to help others,” she explained. The sight of her son, Leo, born in 2021, serves as a constant reminder of what could have been lost. “I only have to glance at my son in the morning to imagine what my life could have been without him or how his life could have changed if I hadn’t survived. This campaign is so so important. Every life counts.”
Despite an agreement for a meeting with Wes Streeting a month prior, Thompson is yet to receive a substantive response. She revealed, “I’ve since written Wes a personal letter and I really hope to hear back soon.”
A Day at the House of Lords
Thompson described her experience at the House of Lords, a stark contrast to the House of Commons where Members of Parliament convene. “Then we headed to the House of Lords… where I sat in the chamber whilst they made their way through oral questions,” she recounted.
Baroness Gohir, a strong supporter of their cause, had persistently advocated for a question regarding their petition, which was eventually selected. Thompson was pleased to attend in person and acknowledged the backing of several peers. However, she expressed disappointment with the overall response, which she found “very predictable.” The government, she observed, appears to be placing all its hopes on the Baroness Amos inquiry.
During her time at the House of Lords, Thompson encountered several influential figures, exchanging contact details with supportive MPs. Discussions with these individuals highlighted potential obstacles to appointing a Maternity Commissioner, with some pointing to the Treasury, while others cited issues of responsibility and workload.
Thompson extended her gratitude to Baroness Gohir for her invitation and guidance, and to Theo Clarke for her unwavering support and hard work on the campaign.
The Case for an Independent Maternity Commissioner
Thompson is eager to represent the thousands of women who reach out to her daily, sharing their lived experiences of maternity care. She believes a new task force is on the horizon and hopes to be included.
The core of their campaign is the call for an independent maternity commissioner, meaning one free from party political influence. Thompson highlighted the period of intense governmental instability in the UK following Brexit (2016-2019), characterised by party defections, rapid leadership changes, and mass resignations. This political flux, she argues, distracts from crucial issues and leads to shifting priorities. Consequently, implementing the hundreds of recommendations from various maternity care inquiries has, until now, been relegated to the back burner.
“Giving birth affects the safety of multiple lives. Surely that has to sit outside of conventional politics,” Thompson asserted. “Maternity care deserves consistency; it deserves to lean on ONE FIXED CONSTANT.”
Mobilising Public Support
With the petition now surpassing 157,000 signatures, Thompson believes they are nearing a public debate in Parliament and is calling for continued public involvement. “I NEED your HELP,” she urged her followers.
She encouraged them to contact their local MPs, providing them with firsthand accounts of the issues within their constituencies. This, she hopes, will inspire MPs to champion their cause. “The way I see it – there is no one that loses from having a maternity commissioner. Only so much to gain.”
To facilitate this, Thompson and Theo Clarke have created a downloadable letter template. Additionally, an online tool is available to help individuals locate their local MP. Further details and the template can be found on Thompson’s website at www.louise-thompson.co.uk/write-to-your-mp/.
Louise Thompson’s own journey has been profoundly impacted by childbirth. Her injuries, including Asherman’s Syndrome, worsening bowel problems, and emergency surgery following a post-natal haemorrhage, have made it impossible for her to carry another child. She has previously emphasised the need for a “national maternity strategy,” a sentiment echoed by numerous mothers who have shared their harrowing experiences with her.
