Data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) today show that 2023 neonatal mortality rates were higher in England and Wales than in 2020. 

The Sands & Tommy's Joint Policy Unit is calling for the Government to renew the National Maternity Safety Ambitions – which end in 2025.  

The current ambition for England to halve the 2010 rates of stillbirths, neonatal and maternal deaths is very unlikely to be achieved. There are no comparative ambitions for any of the other UK nations. 

To save more babies’ lives we believe that the government should set new ambitions, with a deadline of 2035 to align with the 10 Year Plan for the NHS in England, that aim to match the best-performing countries in Europe.   

"The latest data from the ONS show a small decline in the number of babies dying shortly after birth. While we welcome any decrease in the mortality rate, the government is still not on track to meet its ambition to halve the rate of neonatal deaths and stillbirths in England relative to 2010.  

"The proportion of babies born preterm also increased in 2023 relative to 2022. Not enough progress is being made to meet the government ambition to reduce the rate of preterm births to 6% by 2025. Three quarters of babies who die shortly after birth in the UK are born preterm, so reducing preterm births is critical to help more babies survive.

"The upcoming 10-year plan for the NHS in England is an opportunity to set new targets to reduce baby deaths along with a comprehensive plan to achieve them, to make saving babies' lives the priority it deserves to be." 

- Robert Wilson, Head of the Sands and Tommy’s Joint Policy Unit

Sands is here to support everyone affected by pregnancy loss or the death of a baby, however recently or longer ago. The charity is also working with researchers, healthcare professionals, policy-makers and MPs to put bereaved parents voices at the heart of efforts to improve maternity safety and save babies’ lives. 

“We know today’s news, that so many babies are dying, is very upsetting for anyone touched by pregnancy or baby loss and could bring back many memories and emotions around their own experience. We are here for all those who need support today and at any time, for as long as they need this. 

“These are not simply numbers, these are babies who lived and are loved and will never be forgotten by their parents and families. They matter to us too. We feel sad and also frustrated that progress to save babies’ lives is not happening fast enough.  

“We also know that change is possible. We will keep amplifying the voices of bereaved parents so they are heard at the highest levels of government, and improving maternity safety and bereavement care through research, training and campaigning.” 

Clea Harmer, Sands’ Chief Executive