A report commissioned to explore the reasons for inequalities faced by black and ethnic minority mothers has concluded that clear policies to tackle racism are needed in maternity care.
The report, conducted by the Southwark Maternity Commission, spoke to 750 women, families and healthcare professionals to better understand disparities.
Black women are nearly four times more likely to die during pregnancy, childbirth and six weeks after birth in the UK, according to official maternal mortality rates.
Councillor Evelyn Akoto, who co-chaired the report, said: “The time for platitudes has passed – we need urgent action to save lives.”
Ms Akoto had her own traumatic birth experience 15 years ago and said she understands what it feels like to be dismissed when at your most vulnerable.
“This was my first child, so I didn’t know what to expect,” she said.
She added she became concerned when she noticed something didn’t feel quite right, and despite raising her concerns to midwives, said she was “dismissed”.
“And then before I knew it, there was no heartbeat,” Ms Akoto said.
She needed an emergency caesarean to deliver her child. “Thankfully for me, the story ended well. I survived that, my child survived,” she said.
Ms Akoto added that from the many stories she has heard in her diverse borough, she understands “that is not the case” for everyone.
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To improve outcomes, the commission is urging the government to introduce leadership roles to address racism experienced by ethnic minorities while also reviewing existing frameworks, such as the NHS Workforce Race Equality Standard.
It also calls for better data – unifying a system to record and respond to maternal health data to ensure equitable care.
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Other recommendations focus on ensuring the maternity workforce receives the resources and training needed to deliver culturally competent care.
Jacqui Kempen, head of maternity at NHS South East London, said: “This report is welcome. It makes some useful additions to the body of knowledge in this area, and its recommendations align with much of our approach.
“We recognise that we still have considerable progress to make, but all of us in maternity and neonatal services across southeast London are fully committed to working with local people, communities and our partners in health and care to ensure the best experience and outcomes, from pre-conception, through pregnancy, to childbirth and beyond.”
