Midwife: I’ll clear my name then leave the UK
Krishinda vows to fight suspension for helping mum with home birth
A MIDWIFE suspended for helping a woman give birth while uninsured has launched a fight against the ruling.
Krishinda Powers-Duff, a qualified midwife for more than 10 years, attended at the home of a woman during her labour on July 31 this year.
The mum-to-be had intended to have an unassisted “free birth” but called the midwife when she had difficulties.
Krishinda, from Glasgow, carried out emergency procedures to ensure a safe delivery. But as she was not insured to carry out home births, she reported the incident to national governing body, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) – and after a hearing on August 28, was issued an 18-month suspension.
Krishinda has now vowed to quit the UK and says she is working to clear her name before moving to Spain.
She told the Record: “I never want to work in the UK as a midwife again. I feel too betrayed by the whole system – but I would like my name cleared so that I can go on with my life without this nastiness attached to me.”
Krishinda added: “I am awaiting a review of my initial hearing. I have started litigation against the NMC with regard to my initial hearing.
“I am unable to respond in any more depth about this issue but I feel the larger issue of ongoing obstetric violence and abuse of women’s rights to give birth how they feel is right for them is the actual issue that should be highlighted.
“Maternity rights matter and everyday abuses of these rights are taking place across the country.
“Damage is being done to the women who access the maternity services and midwives who are persecuted for trying to support these women in their choices.”
Krishinda has created a Go Fund Me page to support her case and has so far raised £1906 of a target of £8400, with 20 per cent going to the Radical Midwives Association and Childbirth Choices Matter.
Clare Strickland, deputy director of professional regulation at the NMC, said: “Due to the nature of concerns raised, an interim order is imposed while our inquiries continue. Our processes allow for an application for a further early review hearing, which Ms Powers-Duff is being supported with.”