Today, Sands and Tommy’s Joint Policy Unit published their latest Saving Babies’ Lives Progress Report, which shows the failure to meet government targets for reducing stillbirths and neonatal and maternal deaths has cost hundreds of babies’ lives.
The report estimates that at least 2,500 fewer babies would still be alive today if the government had achieved its ambition of halving the 2010 rates of stillbirth, neonatal and maternal deaths in England since 2018. That’s the same as around 100 primary school classes.
“The response from government and policymakers to the ongoing crisis in maternity and neonatal care and the scale of pregnancy and baby loss in the UK is simply not good enough.
“More of the same is not acceptable. Too many people continue to suffer the heartbreak of losing a baby. It should not be too ambitious to expect that in a decade's time, we can achieve the same outcomes for babies in the UK as some countries are already recording. To make progress across the UK there is a need for stronger national leadership and clearer accountability.”
- Dr Robert Wilson, Head of the Sands and Tommy’s Joint Policy Unit
What does the report say?
Progress made to date falls short of what is needed to stop babies dying every day in the UK, and unacceptable inequalities in pregnancy and baby loss persist despite continued calls for change.
Drawing on the latest data from MBRRACE-UK, the report shows that the gap continues to grow between the number of babies dying in deprived areas and those in the least deprived areas of the UK. Also, the stillbirth rate of Asian babies has risen sharply, and Black babies are still twice as likely as white babies to be stillborn.
The Joint Policy Unit has proposed new national ambitions for reducing stillbirth, neonatal death and preterm birth in England. It calls for a target date of 2035, to align these new maternity ambitions within the 10 Year Plan for the NHS in England. This should include specific targets to end inequalities in pregnancy and baby loss.
What Sands is doing to save babies’ lives
“The evidence presented in our Saving Babies’ Lives Progress Report highlights the challenges that remain in tackling inequalities in baby loss, particularly for babies of South Asian and Black ethnicity.
“No baby should have an increased risk of dying because of their race or ethnicity. Change is possible. By working together to raise these inequalities with politicians and other decision makers, we will build a more equitable system that gives all families the care they deserve.
“These are not simply numbers, these are babies who are loved and will never be forgotten by their parents and families. They matter to us too. We are here for all those who need support today and at any time, for as long as they need this.”
- Clea Harmer, Chief Executive of Sands
With your support, we’re working towards a future where fewer babies die, and politicians take action to save more babies' lives, reduce inequalities and listen to bereaved parents.
Here’s just a few of the actions we’re taking:
- We’re speaking to the NHS and political stakeholders to make sure that they hear from bereaved parents and families and improve service provision
- We’re running our End Inequality in Baby Loss Campaign, to end inequalities in baby loss. Our open letter to the government has over 2,500 signatures and is still gaining momentum.
- We’re rolling out National Bereavement Care Pathways in every nation in the UK to make sure that anyone affected by pregnancy or baby loss gets consistent, high-quality care, and that healthcare professionals have the guidance, tools, and resources to provide that care.
Let’s make sure politicians take action
This can’t go on.
It’s time for stronger commitments from all UK governments to prioritise saving babies’ lives.
We are encouraging all our supporters to take a simple action today, and put pressure on the government to take meaningful action. All you need to do is add your details to our form, and we will send an email to your local political representative.
Please help us call for change now
All it takes is a minute to fill in your details so we can automatically send an email to your local representative, wherever you are in the UK.
If we all come together, we can make sure politicians take action to save more babies' lives, reduce inequalities, and listen to bereaved parents.
We’re here to support you
We understand that reports like this can be distressing for anyone touched by pregnancy or baby loss. We’re here for you, always.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for support.
We also provide tailored bereavement care services for Black and South Asian communities.