Sands is here to support anyone struggling with the news reports today that maternal death rates in the UK have increased to levels not seen for almost 20 years.

The latest set of data presented by the MBRRACE-UK Collaboration investigation into maternal deaths in the UK shows that the mortality rate for women who died during or soon after pregnancy has increased to levels not seen since 2003-05.

“Today’s data showing a rise in maternal deaths is very worrying and adds to the overwhelming body of evidence that improving maternity safety for all needs to be at the top of the Government’s agenda. 

"We know that news like this can be distressing for anyone who has been affected by pregnancy or baby loss, particularly those who are pregnant again, and especially so if they are in a higher risk group. Sands is here to offer support to anyone affected by pregnancy or baby loss, however recently or longer ago they were bereaved.”

- Sands’ Chief Executive Clea Harmer 

MBRRACE-UK data highlights inequalities in maternal deaths 

The maternal death rate for women from Black ethnic backgrounds has decreased slightly from the rate in 2019-21 but Black women remain three times more likely to die compared to White women. The maternal death rate for women from Asian ethnic backgrounds remains two times higher than that of White women.

This data echoes the most recent State of the Nation report from MBRRACE-UK that showed an overall increase in the rates of babies dying before or shortly after birth in 2021, and significant increases in inequality by ethnicity and deprivation.

In the UK, repeated reports show that rates of pregnancy loss and baby deaths are higher among Black and Asian babies compared with white babies. These differences have been evident for decades, yet there has been little progress by Government or the NHS in addressing them. 

Last month Sands launched its Listening Project report looking at the experiences of Black and Asian parents, and you can join our call for Government to take action.

Sands and Tommy's working together to improve maternity safety

In 2023 the Sands and Tommy’s Joint Policy Unit published the first Saving Babies’ Lives progress report which showed how the pressure that staff are under is impacting on the NHS's ability to deliver safe, personalised, care for everyone.

Sands and Tommy's want to see a much more comprehensive response that matches the urgency and scale of the issue. This must include action to address the multiple drivers of inequality, steps to ensure that everyone is receiving care in line with nationally-agreed standards, and a greater focus on learning lessons when babies die.

Recent data from the Care Quality Commission has highlighted that most maternity units are not safe enough. There is an urgent need to move away from addressing issues in services as if there are a few outliers that need support, towards a comprehensive national approach, which tackles the fundamental issues and puts in place the key elements of a safe system.

Support for you  

We understand that announcements like this can be incredibly difficult, and we are always here to support anyone affected. If you, or someone you know, needs emotional support after loss, find out  all the different ways we offer support. 

The Sands bereavement support book is available in multiple languages.