Maternity Care Racism Declared 'National Emergency' by UK Regulator
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has issued a stark warning that racism within maternity services constitutes a "national emergency" in the United Kingdom. This declaration comes alongside the launch of new educational tools designed to eliminate bias from midwifery training programmes across universities nationwide.
Stark Disparities in Maternal Outcomes
Official figures reveal a deeply troubling pattern of inequality. Black and Asian mothers are significantly more likely to die during pregnancy, childbirth, or in the immediate postnatal period when compared to white women. Furthermore, babies born to Black and Asian women face a higher risk of being stillborn.
Paul Rees, Chief Executive and Registrar of the NMC, stated unequivocally: "The evidence is clear that racism within maternity services compounds the problem. The situation is totally unacceptable and is a national emergency."
New Educational Principles to Combat Bias
In response to what it terms a "black maternal health crisis," the regulator is taking decisive action. While equity, diversity, and inclusion are already referenced in midwifery curricula, the NMC will now collaborate with all UK universities offering midwifery education. The goal is to make anti-racism, bias awareness, and principles of cultural curiosity, safety, and respect far more explicit and embedded within their programmes.
These enhanced educational standards are scheduled to be implemented by the start of the next academic year. The initiative aims to equip the next generation of midwives with the tools necessary to challenge discrimination and provide equitable care.
Concerning Statistics from MBRRACE Reports
The scale of the crisis is underscored by data from the MBRRACE programme, which monitors maternal deaths. Between 2021 and 2023, the overall maternal mortality rate in the UK was 12.82 deaths per 100,000 women giving birth. However, this figure masks severe ethnic disparities:
- Black women: Mortality rate of 28.21 per 100,000.
- Asian women: Mortality rate of 16.74 per 100,000.
- Mixed ethnicity women: Rates almost two-fold higher than white women.
A separate MBRRACE report highlights that in 2023, babies of black ethnicity were more than twice as likely to be stillborn than white babies. The report notes that despite an overall decline in stillbirth rates, "significant ethnic disparities persist," with Asian and black babies continuing to experience much higher mortality rates.
Widespread Support for Action
The NMC's initiative has garnered support from key health leaders and professional bodies. Public Health Minister Sharon Hodgson acknowledged the "stark disparities" as unacceptable, stating that tackling them is a government priority.
Gill Walton, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Midwives, called the ongoing inequalities "a disgrace" and emphasised that addressing them must be an urgent priority for the entire profession. She described the NMC's new anti-racism principles as "a vital step in the right direction."
Professor Nicola Ranger of the Royal College of Nursing welcomed the move, stating that embedding this training gives future registrants "the best chance of eradicating these unacceptable health inequalities once and for all."
Professor Habib Naqvi, Chief Executive of the NHS Race and Health Observatory, reinforced the gravity of the issue, labelling racism in midwifery and nursing a "significant public health issue" that undermines both staff wellbeing and patient safety. He stressed the importance of addressing structural barriers and welcomed the new principles as essential for challenging bias within the education system itself.
