Alumna Theo Clarke (DH 2003) has been a prominent spokesperson for women since her election in 2019 as MP. During her time as MP for Stafford from 2019-24, Theo suffered a traumatic experience giving birth to her daughter when she was rushed into emergency surgery, terrified she was going to die. She shared this in an emotional debate in the House of Commons in October 2023.

This led to her meeting with inspirational groups of women - including the Birth Trauma Association - and to found the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Birth Traum. She subsequently chaired the first ever national inquiry into birth trauma in British history. The inquiry heard harrowing evidence from over 1,300 women, exposing the shocking underinvestment in women’s health in the UK. Their report and recommendations were launched on the 13th of May 2024, in the presence of the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Shadow Cabinet Ministers, birth trauma organisations, mothers who suffered birth trauma and the national press.

The then-Government immediately accepted many of their recommendations, and both the Labour and Conservative parties committed to implementing the recommendations in their 2024 manifestos. Theo's focus is now on campaigning for the Government to implement their recommendations, for NHS Trusts to adopt new best-practices, and to ensure that birth trauma is minimised. In November 2024, she launched the Global Birth Trauma Alliance, a campaign to ensure that, no matter where they are, mothers and babies will have access to safer and more secure maternity services.

In her new podcast ‘Breaking the Taboo’, which began airing in January, she hopes to break the taboo surrounding birth trauma, and start a national conversation that is long overdue. 

Apple Music: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/breaking-the-taboo-trailer/id1791997791?i=1000685026833

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7KHElHZjt99lPilYeTHRld?si=16314695602e4b55

Don't suffer in silence! Listen in and let's break the final taboo in women's health.

In addition to her campaigning on the issue of women's health, Theo Clarke is also Vice Chair of the United Nations Association-UK. She is delighted to join the UNA-UK board to champion multilateralism and the important role that the United Nations plays. She's looking forward to strengthening our relationships both internationally and across the UK and championing the values and philosophy of the UN Charter, as well as advocating for the UN's Sustainable Development Goals to be delivered, to ensure peace and prosperity for people and the planet.