Data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) the today are the first to confirm that the Government has failed to meet its target to halve the stillbirth rate in England by 2025 relative to the 2010 rate.
The Sands and Tommy's Joint Policy Unit (JPU) has calculated that in England, 669 more babies died last year than if the target of 2.6 per 1,000 total births had been met.
Although there was an initial decline in the stillbirth rate, progress has stagnated over the past few years, and it became clear that further action was needed.
Today, data from the Office for National Statistics confirmed what we have long suspected: that the Government has failed to meet its target to halve the stillbirth rate in England by 2025 relative to the 2010 rate.
We have previously called for the UK governments to set new ambitions to reduce perinatal mortality and preterm births, focused on matching the best-performing countries in Europe. Achieving these ambitions will require a comprehensive strategy to improve the quality and safety of maternity and neonatal services as well as a cross-government approach to tackle causes of health inequalities.
- Georgia Stevenson, Head of the Sands and Tommy's Joint Policy Unit
The JPU is also urging governments across the UK to work together to align under these ambitions, to eliminate disparities between the four nations.
A national assurance assessment of maternity and neonatal care and services in Wales was recently published, and Baroness Amos’s Maternity and Neonatal Investigation in England will publish its findings next month. In England, the National Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce will be responsible for translating the recommendations into a national action plan.
The data released today by the ONS relate to England and Wales only. Data for Scotland and Northern Ireland are reported by different agencies in these nations at different times.
Sands calling for action to end inequalities in baby loss
Today's data further adds to the body of evidence that urgent action is needed to address persistent inequalities in baby loss.
Today's ONS data confirm worryingly persistent inequalities in stillbirth rates among babies born to mothers living in the most deprived areas compared to those living in the least deprived areas. Stillbirth rates were highest among Black Caribbean babies in 2025 and lowest among White British babies.
Sands is demanding new targets to eliminate inequalities in baby loss and for action across the Government, NHS and professional bodies to make care safer and more equitable.
The Maternity and Neonatal Investigation in England, which is due to publish its findings next month, and the Taskforce must deliver the system-level change that is so desperately needed.
- Clea Harmer, Sands' Chief Executive
Action by new Welsh Government needed to reduce baby deaths
Today's data also show there has also been little progress to reduce baby deaths in Wales.
In Wales, the stillbirth rate decreased slightly to 4.1 per 1,000 total births in 2025 from 4.4 in 2024. However, progress since 2018 has been minimal.
There has now been no sustained drop in the number of babies being stillborn in Wales since 2018.
Following this month's elections to the Senedd, Sands is calling on the next Welsh Government to implement clear targets to reduce stillbirths and neonatal deaths and prioritise making maternity care safer.
There is also a lack of sustainable support for people who experience pregnancy or baby loss in Wales. Too many bereaved families are not receiving the compassionate care they deserve when their baby dies – both at the time in hospital, and in the weeks and months that follow. Every bereaved parent deserves access to high-quality bereavement and mental health care.
Find out more about our campaigning in Wales and how you can get involved.
Sands here to support
We know that when news like this is published it may be very difficult for bereaved parents, to see or read about. It is okay to take a break from this content if you need to.
Sands is here for everyone touched by pregnancy or baby loss. The charity offers bereavement support in many ways, because everyone grieves differently and this can change over time.
Find out more about all the ways the charity offers bereavement support.