We have a pregnant employee who has expressed her wish to have a home birth and has stated that she does not want an ambulance to be called if she goes into labor at work.

While I’m working with HR on this, I’d appreciate any advice or experiences from others who have encountered a similar situation. How have you navigated balancing an individual’s wishes with duty of care and legal responsibilities in the workplace?

You can't make someone who is conscious get into an ambulance if they don't want to.

Given the state of ambulance services, not a good idea to call an ambulance out for someone who won't get into it when that ambulance could instead be helping someone.

According to my first aid manual "There is usually plenty of time to get a woman to hospital, or get help to her, before the baby arrives [...] Miscarriage, however, is potentially serious because there is a risk of severe bleeding.  A woman who is miscarrying needs urgent medical help."

Edited by user 05 March 2025 18:12:25(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Originally Posted by: Jacob Smith

How have you navigated balancing an individual’s wishes with duty of care and legal responsibilities in the workplace?

I am curious to understand the duty of care aspect - surely that is to follow the individuals expressed wishes?

I am even more curious as to what legal workplace responsibilities you think are being ignored?

You are obviously talking with the employee (hence knowing their expressed wishes) so other than with the exception of an absolute medical emergency why do you think there is a need to pack them off in an ambulance the instant labour starts?

Having been with Mrs Roundtuit when both her labours started there was no need for an ambulance to reach hospital quickly.

Hi Jacob

Too many cooks spoil the broth.

Hence - Adam Smith - division of labour (no pun intended)

This seems to me to be a matter for HR, so why duplicate what HR is doing, when surely you have more productive things to be doing?

Probably the same way they got to work in the morning?

From the NHS web site: In a 1st pregnancy, the time from the start of established labour to being fully dilated is usually 8 to 18 hours. It's often quicker (around 5 to 12 hours), in a 2nd or 3rd pregnancy. When you reach the end of the 1st stage of labour, you may feel an urge to push.

Labour is nothing like the over dramatised frantic TV & film re-enactments with those in labour remaining capable of walking, riding and driving.

if only all humans operated in the way the website or book dictated...Ultimately, while the employee has a right to make decisions about her own healthcare, your organisation must still act responsibly to protect her welfare. Striking a balance between respecting her autonomy and fulfilling your duty of care is key. By engaging in transparent discussions and documenting a reasonable plan, you can minimise legal risk while supporting the employee’s choices....however if there is a potential threat to either life, that takes preceident and you need to take all necessary measueres to preserve life...it isn't the first time somone has changed thier mind at the last minute ;) ...make sure you document everything...