The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has welcomed a new Bill introduced to Parliament on Wednesday (22 October) by Laura Kyrke-Smith MP, which aims to make high-quality perinatal mental health assessments a routine part of antenatal care for all women in England. 

The Perinatal Mental Health Assessments Bill, known as Sophie’s Law, would ensure that every pregnant woman receives a consistent, structured and compassionate mental health assessment – ending the postcode lottery that currently determines whether mothers get the help they need. 

The RCM, which recently launched its Perinatal Mental Health Roadmap, has repeatedly warned that too many women are being let down by patchy and unequal mental health provision. There is a wide variation in how maternity and mental health services work together across the country, leaving many women without the early support that could make a life-changing difference. 

Clare Livingstone, Head of Professional Policy and Practice at the RCM, said: “Perinatal mental health must be seen as a fundamental part of maternity care, not an optional extra. This Bill recognises that, and we urge MPs from all parties to support it. 

“Too many women face a postcode lottery when it comes to their mental health during pregnancy and after birth. Every woman deserves access to high-quality, compassionate mental health care wherever she lives. 

“Laura Kyrke-Smith’s Bill takes an important step towards making that a reality. Midwives see woman at one of the most vulnerable times in her life, and with the right training, time and referral pathways, they can play a vital role in identifying problems early and ensuring women get the support they need.” 

The RCM’s Perinatal Mental Health Roadmap – which was launched on World Mental Health Day (10 October) – sets out a vision for joined-up, equitable and evidence-based care for all women. Its recommendations include: 

• More specialist midwives trained in perinatal mental health, so every woman has access to the right support wherever she lives;  

• Stronger leadership roles for midwives within the NHS, to make sure women’s mental health is a priority in maternity care;  

• Regular training for all midwives in understanding trauma, so women are always treated with compassion and sensitivity;  

• Joined-up, culturally sensitive services, so women from every background get the care that meets their needs;  

• Equal focus on mental and physical health during pregnancy and after birth, so mums aren’t left to struggle in silence. 

As the Bill was brought to Parliament under the Ten Minute Rule Bill it’s unlikely to make it into statute books, however it helps to raise awareness of an issue and builds cross-party support for future legislation. 

Clare added: “What Laura Kyrke-Smith is doing is putting a vital marker down – that perinatal mental health must be taken seriously and given the priority it deserves. It sends a clear message to Government and to Parliament that women’s mental health cannot be an afterthought. 

“It’s also heartening to see that the RCM’s ongoing influencing work, and our recently launched Perinatal Mental Health Roadmap, are helping to shape the national conversation. We’ll continue to press for action to end the postcode lottery in care, so every woman gets the mental health support she needs, wherever she lives.” 

ENDS  

To contact the RCM Media Office call 020 7312 3456, or email media@rcm.org.uk  

Notes to Editors  

• Laura Kyrke-Smith MP will introduce the Perinatal Mental Health Assessments Bill (“Sophie’s Law”) in Parliament on Wednesday 22 October 2025 under the Ten-Minute Rule. The Bill is named in memory of Sophie Middlemiss, who tragically took her own life after the birth of her third child in 2021. 

• The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) is the only trade union and professional association dedicated to serving midwifery and the whole midwifery team.  We provide workplace advice and support, professional and clinical guidance, and information, and learning opportunities with our broad range of events, conferences, and online resources. For more information visit the RCM | A professional organisation and trade union dedicated to serving the whole midwifery team