Released on: 12 May 2023
Responding to the latest MBRRACE-UK figures for maternal and perinatal mortality, Angela McConville, Chief Executive at NCT, said:
“It is incredibly disheartening to see little change in the inequalities in maternal outcomes for Black and Asian women. Black women are still four times more likely to die in pregnancy or six weeks after birth, while Asian women are twice as likely to die. The lack of progress in tackling these inequalities remains totally unacceptable.
“It is unsurprising that complications, as a result of COVID-19, was the leading cause of maternal deaths. Pregnant women and new mothers, particularly those facing multiple socio-economic disadvantages were disproportionally impacted by the pandemic. Information and guidance on vaccinations for pregnant women was confusing, delayed and women weren’t properly assured it was safe. That is why we are giving evidence to the COVID-19 Inquiry to ensure scrutiny of Government decisions and ultimately that lessons are learnt.
“The Government must act now to ensure that each and every woman has access to safe, equitable and personalised care.”
