Can I refuse to have any midwifery or medical students present?
Of course you can. However, these students are training to become experts in this field and are dependent on caring for women in order to get experience. Everyone who is looking after you will have been a student once upon a time! If students want to attend you in labour, your permission should be sought; it is usual to have only one student in attendance not ten! Sadly because of staff shortages it is unlikely that you will be able to have a midwife constantly in the room with you all throughout your labour, and by accepting a student may ensure you have someone there all the time...someting to bear in mind.