Released on: 11 January 2024
Responding to MBRRACE-UK's report on maternal mortality rates 2020-2022, Angela McConville, Chief Executive at NCT, said:
Today's latest data report from MBRRACE-UK sadly reminds us of the consequences of failing to urgently address the underlying causes of maternal deaths. Even taking Covid impacts into account from the period covered, this data still shows stark disparities in care.
The quality of care a woman receives during or after birth should not be determined by her ethnicity or postcode, yet Black women remain three times more likely to die during this period and maternal mortality amongst those facing socioeconomic disadvantage is steadily rising.
We must review and properly support our maternity services urgently, starting with dedicated funding for an increased and improved workforce with sufficient training, so they can deliver the personalised and equitable maternity care all pregnant women have the right to access.
We recognise that today's news may be triggering for families that have experienced loss. Our deepest sympathies are with those affected. Please contact our friends at Sands and Tommy's if you need support.
