MPs call for Government target to eliminate maternal health disparities

MPs call for Government target to eliminate maternal health disparities The Women and Equalities Committee has called on the Government to set a definitive target to eliminate “appalling” disparities in maternal deaths. Black women are almost four times more likely to die from childbirth than white women. Maternal death rates in deprived areas are on the rise, with women in the most deprived areas 2.5 times more likely to die than those in the least deprived areas.

In a new report, MPs conclude the current Government and NHS measures to address the disparity in maternal deaths are “necessary but insufficient”. The Committee is “concerned” that the Government and NHS leadership have “underestimated” the extent to which racism plays a role in perpetuating inequalities.

See also:

• End racial disparities in maternal deaths - MPs BBC News
• MPs condemn failure to tackle ‘glaring’ racial inequalities in UK maternal health The Guardian
• MPs condemn ‘appalling’ stats showing Black women almost four times more likely to die in childbirth The Independent