Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Mental Capacity Act

18 November 2022 10:00-16:00

This brand new course from Edge will assist delegates to navigate the challenging landscape of mental capacity law in the field of obstetrics. Pregnant women may lack mental capacity about decisions relating to their obstetric care for various reasons such as mental disorders, learning disability or perhaps a phobia.

In this course, delegates will cover the basics of the Mental Capacity Act and how the law should be applied in relation to specific decisions such as caesarean sections and birth plans. Related areas will also be covered such as contraception and termination of pregnancies. There will be particular consideration of those detained under the Mental Health Act and guidance on when to apply to the Court of Protection.

The course will be essential for midwives and obstetricians. Others that are likely to be involved in the care of pregnant women such as GPs, practice nurses, counsellors, social workers and psychiatrists will also find the course highly informative to ensure the safe care of pregnant women.

• Mental Capacity Act refresher.
• The relevant decisions in  respect of sex, contraception, pregnancy and birth:                                        

1. Capacity to engage in  sexual relations;
2. Capacity to make  decisions as to contraception;
3. Capacity to make  decisions as to termination of pregnancy;
4. Capacity to make  decisions as to caesarean sections;
5. Questions of  restraint in respect of a care plan;  

• Birth plans, care plans and best interests; 
• When to go to court NHS  Trust & Ors v FG;
• Emergency cases;
• Considerations for pregnant  women who are detained under the Mental Health Act.

The course will be delivered by Ian Brownhill 

Ian is a barrister at 39 Essex Chambers and he specialises in public law, human rights and regulatory law. In addition, Ian is a Trustee of the Sentencing Academy and HM Assistant Coroner for Kent.

Ian has a broad public law and human rights practice which focusses on mental capacity, education law, criminal justice, prison and police law and community care. Much of Ian’s regulatory practice complements his public law work and he is often instructed in cases which involve safeguarding, social care or healthcare. In recent times, Ian has increasingly advised on regulatory matters related to sport.

Ian is ranked as a “band 1” leading junior for Court of Protection (Health and Welfare) by The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners. He is a member of the Equality and Human Rights Commission C Panel of Counsel. Ian acts pro bono for the families of missing people, he acts for the mother of Ben Needham and the mother of Damien Nettles.

Includes all course materials and a certificate. Course access details will be emailed direct to delegate(s) upon completion of your booking.  If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to email assistant@edgetraining.org.uk  or call 07341 277487.