A new report has found that systemic bias in UK maternity and neonatal care is leading to significantly worse outcomes for women from Black, Asian, and other ethnic minority backgrounds. The review, commissioned by the government and led by Professor Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent, highlights that these groups face higher rates of maternal mortality, stillbirth, and neonatal complications.
Key Findings on Disparities
The report, titled "Reducing Disparities in Maternity Care," analyzed data from NHS trusts across England. It found that Black women are four times more likely to die in pregnancy or childbirth compared to white women, while Asian women are twice as likely. Additionally, babies from Black and Asian backgrounds have a higher risk of stillbirth and neonatal death.
Professor Dunkley-Bent stated: "This is not about individual racism but about systemic failures that mean women from minority groups are not listened to, their symptoms are dismissed, and they receive poorer care."
Contributing Factors
The report identifies several factors contributing to these disparities. These include unconscious bias among healthcare professionals, language barriers, lack of culturally sensitive care, and failure to address underlying health conditions such as diabetes and hypertension that are more prevalent in some ethnic groups.
It also notes that minority women are less likely to have their concerns taken seriously during pregnancy and labor. For example, pain scores are often underestimated, and symptoms of pre-eclampsia or sepsis may be missed.
Recommendations for Change
The report makes 15 recommendations to improve care. These include mandatory bias training for all maternity staff, better translation services, and the appointment of dedicated equality champions in every NHS trust. It also calls for improved data collection to monitor outcomes by ethnicity and for more diverse representation in maternity research.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting welcomed the report, saying: "Every woman deserves safe, respectful maternity care. We will implement these recommendations to close the gap and save lives."
Impact on Families
The report shares personal stories from affected families. One mother, Aisha, described how her pain was dismissed during labor, leading to a delayed emergency C-section that left her baby with brain damage. Another woman, Priya, said she was not offered a translator and missed vital information about her high-risk pregnancy.
Campaign groups have long called for action. The charity Birthrights noted that the report confirms what many women have been saying for years: "Systemic racism is a patient safety issue."
Next Steps
The government has pledged £10 million to pilot new initiatives in areas with the highest disparities. These will include community midwifery hubs, expanded doula services, and targeted health promotion for minority groups.
Professor Dunkley-Bent concluded: "This is a wake-up call. We must act now to ensure that every mother and baby receives the care they deserve, regardless of their background."
