Barbara Hewson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Barbara Hewson
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|---|---|
| Born |
Barbara Mary Hewson
2 June 1961 |
| Died | (aged 59) Galway, County Galway, Ireland
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| Nationality | Ireland UK |
| Alma mater | Trinity Hall, University of Cambridge |
| Occupation | Barrister; writer |
Barbara Mary Hewson (born 1961, died 2021) was a lawyer from both Ireland and the UK. She worked in public law, which deals with how the government and public bodies interact with people. She focused on human rights and helping people who needed special protection, like those with mental health challenges. She also cared about the rights of pregnant women.
Barbara Hewson's School Days
Barbara Hewson was born in Ireland. She went to school in England at St. Leonards-Mayfield School. Later, she studied English at the famous Trinity Hall, University of Cambridge.
After that, she decided to study law. She got her law degree from what is now the University of Westminster. In 1985, she became a barrister. A barrister is a type of lawyer who can argue cases in court. She started her career working on cases about wills and land. Later, she joined a group of lawyers who focused on public law and European law.
Her Work as a Lawyer
Barbara Hewson worked on many important cases. In the 1990s, she spoke out against courts forcing medical treatment on pregnant women. She believed that women should have the right to make their own choices about their bodies. She also thought they deserved a fair trial.
In Ireland, she worked on cases in Dublin. One notable case involved a midwife named Ann Kelly. Barbara also helped adults who were vulnerable and needed legal protection.
In 2010, she was recognized as "Lawyer of the Week" by The Times newspaper. This was for her work on a case where a coroner found serious mistakes were made in medical care.
Groups She Joined
Barbara Hewson was a trustee for the British Pregnancy Advisory Service starting in 2007. This group helps people with choices about pregnancy. In 2012, she was made an Honorary Fellow of the University of Westminster.
She also helped start the Association of Women Barristers (AWB) in 1991. In the same year, she was chosen to be part of the Bar Council of England & Wales. This council represents barristers. As the Press Officer for the AWB, she often spoke to the media about issues important to women and the law.
Her Beliefs
Barbara Hewson believed strongly that people should have the right to make their own medical decisions. She did not like it when the government or state tried to control these choices. She always supported patients having control over their own health care.
