Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that women who (a) are pregnant and (b) have given birth in the last 12 months are aware that they can apply for maternity exemption certificates.

The NHS Business Services Authority promotes maternity exemption certificates and information is provided via NHS.UK. The certificates are also promoted through social media, online resources, media releases and through healthcare bulletins. Healthcare professionals, such as midwives and general practitioners, apply for maternity exemption certificates on behalf of the patient and ensure that individuals are aware of the entitlement.

Some patients entitled to a maternity exemption certificate may already hold an exemption for another reason, such as an eligible medical condition or through the NHS Low Income Scheme.