LONDON: A new study by MBRRACE-UK reveals that the number of women dying during pregnancy or shortly thereafter in the United Kingdom (UK) has reached its highest level in almost two decades. The figures, which monitor maternal deaths, stillbirths, and infant deaths, highlight significant disparities, with black women and those from deprived areas being the most severely impacted.
Despite the UK having one of the lowest maternal mortality ratios globally, MPs noted glaring and persistent disparities in outcomes based on ethnicity in a report last year. This latest revelation comes on the heels of scandals at maternity units within the state-funded National Health Service (NHS), including a damning 2022 report on the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Trust, which found failures contributing to the deaths of 201 babies and nine mothers over a 20-year period.
The new statistics have reignited calls for increased investment and training in maternity services, even as health officials in England claim more funding than ever is being directed toward the sector. Marian Knight, director of the National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit and MBRRACE-UK maternal reporting lead, expressed concern over the pressure on Britain’s maternity systems and emphasized the need for urgent action.
Maternal Deaths in UK
The study by MBRRACE-UK found a maternal death rate of 13.41 deaths per 100,000 pregnancies reported from 2020 to 2022. Excluding deaths from Covid-19, the second most common cause, the maternal death rate for the period was 11.54 per 100,000, marking an increase from 8.79 per 100,000 in 2017-2019 and the highest since 2003-2005.
Thrombosis and thromboembolism, or blood clots in the veins, emerged as the leading cause of death, with heart disease and deaths related to poor mental health also prevalent. Disparities persisted, with black women three times more likely to die compared to white women. Women from Asian backgrounds were twice as likely to die, while those in the most deprived areas faced a twofold increased risk.
An NHS England spokesman acknowledged the need for further action to improve women’s and families’ experiences, highlighting increased annual investment of £186 million ($237 million) to enhance the maternity workforce, strengthen leadership, and improve the culture surrounding maternity services.
