Jersey’s home birth service will remain suspended after the death of a mother and baby in Manchester raised concerns about the lack of national guidance on home births.

Jennifer Cahill and her daughter Agnes Lily died in what was described by the coroner as a “Victorian-age nightmare” following an attempted home birth.

Earlier this month, an inquest found their deaths were contributed to by neglect after “gross failings” in antenatal care and the actions of midwives.

As a result, a prevention of future deaths report was issued by the senior coroner for Manchester North.

The report highlighted the lack of national guidance for home births and the risks associated with high-risk pregnancies being managed at home without a robust framework.

In the States Assembly this morning, Assistant Health Minister Andy Howell confirmed that Jersey’s home birth service will remain suspended as a “direct consequence” of the report.

She said: “The home birth service, initially paused in November 2024, will remain suspended while the Jersey maternity unit undertakes a comprehensive and systemic review of its safety, governance and operational arrangements.

“This continued pause is a direct consequence of the prevention of future death order issued at the start of November following the inquest into the recent tragic home birth case in Manchester, where both mother and baby died.”

Deputy Howell was unable to confirm how soon the home birth service could be reinstated.

Deputy Lucy Stephenson raised concerns that “women in Jersey have now been denied access to home birth for over a year”.

She added: “This prolonged suspension does not align with the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s published principles to support person-centred care for women and babies.

“That guidance specifically outlines that women’s views, choices and preferences are at the heart of maternity care, and says that home birth options should be provided.”

Deputy Howell replied: “I do think we have a very excellent maternity service.

“I agree that perhaps women at the moment are not given every choice, but my priority is safety for our mothers and babies.”