Gill Walton, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Midwives (RCM), reflects on a pivotal week for maternity services, as “Super Tuesday” brings together national conversations, frontline voices and renewed momentum for change.

For many women, pregnancy is the moment when conversations about health become real. Blood tests are taken. Diet is discussed. Plans for the future start to take shape. On 30 April 2026, midwives from across the UK will have the chance to explore these conversations in depth at a Learn and Apply Day on Equity in Diabetes & Pregnancy, delivered in partnership with the Royal College of Midwives.

When Oluwaseun Labisi was deciding on a career, she knew she wanted to work in healthcare. Growing up in a large family, she had witnessed pregnancy often and was fascinated by it. But it was also personal. As a teenager, she listened to relatives describe stillbirth and difficult maternity experiences. Hearing, in detail, where care had fallen short shaped the way she thinks about maternity services to this day.

In this blog, RCM Director for Scotland Jaki Lambert reflects on the launch of our Scotland Manifesto and the powerful message at its heart: safe staffing equals safe care. Drawing on the voices of midwives, maternity care assistants, students and leaders from across Scotland, Jaki sets out why this campaign belongs to members – and why now is the time for change.