Urgent action needed to reduce truly shocking death rate for new mothers, says RCM

Figures released by MBRRACE-UK show that the maternal death rate has reached levels not seen in over 20 years. Rates among non-white women are significantly higher, with black women three times more likely to die during pregnancy or in the immediate postnatal period and Asian women twice as likely. The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) says this is tragic and avoidable and must be tackled as a matter of urgency by the Government.

While much-needed investment is beginning to come through to maternity services, the RCM is calling for greater focus on these areas of deep concern. According to the RCM, chronic midwife shortages across England, often see staff pulled away from important antenatal care to cover labour and birth. The impact of this is felt by women and families, especially when those at higher risk of complications, those with pre-existing but undiagnosed conditions and those with perinatal mental health concerns are unable to access specialist support.

Commenting on the report the RCM’s Chief Executive, Gill Walton says: “Pregnancy and childbirth in the UK continue to be safe for most women, but the rise in deaths is a deeply worrying trend. The numbers in the report don’t lie - we are moving backward not forward. The Government and the whole of the health service needs to pull together to reverse this trend immediately.

“Action is needed nationally, with a multi-agency approach, to address the wider inequalities faced by black and Asian women. There needs to be more joint working between clinicians so that issues are spotted earlier, better training – and the time to undertake such training.”