Personally, I don't believe women should have to pay for epidurals. Especially not in the NHS as it is today, where women cannot be guaranteed 1:1 care during labour. Some women have epidural through need, but many women who choose to have an epidural, in an otherwise uncomplicated labour, do so through fear. If these women had 1:1 care, with a midwife they feel they have built up a trusting relationship with, in a comfortable environment etc. then they may cope better in labour and may not feel the need for an epidural. But, for the majority of women this simply isn't the case. So, I don't think they should be penalised. The service is there and they should be able to use it, without cost.

Now, if we were to be talking about elective sections, at patient request, I would advocate that the woman pays. However, I don't want to take this thread

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