Woman's Hour - 17/11/2009

With Jane Garvey. All three major parties have hailed the Kelly Review as the best way to restore public faith in British politicians. But as four women MPs have written in a letter to the Times recently, there are concerns that the proposals 'will discourage women who might otherwise seek their party's nomination'. Jane discusses whether the reforms impact disproportionately upon women MPs, and what they might mean for women in the House in the future. With Julia Hartley-Brewer and Sue Cameron. The role of the Doula is to offer emotional and practical support to a woman before, during and after childbirth and has traditionally only been available to women who can afford them. But a project in Hull has provided volunteer Doulas to women whose circumstances mean they would otherwise face childbirth with no support at all, like single mothers. Following the success of the project, it's now going to be extended to other areas of the country. Jane asks whether the scheme might be an answer to plugging the gaps in a cash-strapped NHS, and finds out how midwives feel about the increase in the number of Doulas. Audrey Hepburn was a major style icon of the 20th Century. Aided by the young couturier Hubert de Givenchy, the film star became the personification of chic elegance in the 1950s and 60s. Her trademark was simplicity and seemingly effortless sophistication. Jane looks through a collection of Audrey's clothes which will soon be up for auction, including the ivory satin bridal gown designed for Hepburn by the Fontana Sisters for her planned marriage to James (later Lord) Hanson which was later called off.