Many of the thousands of baby deaths that happen every year in the UK are avoidable and more must be done to stop so many babies dying before and soon after birth. 

The Lancet’s stillbirth series in 2011 pointed out the UK’s poor mortality record relative to other high income countries, and argued that a reduction in stillbirth rates is entirely possible. The second series, published in 2016, showed that, although progress is being made to reduce the number of stillbirths, more can be done.

Sands supports those working to implement change in these areas by funding research in order to collect the evidence needed to change practice, and by ensuring parents’ voices are heard at the highest levels.