The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has responded to the latest MBRRACE-UK report which shows baby deaths continue to fall across the UK – but persistent inequalities linked to ethnicity and deprivation remain.
The report shows that the number of babies who die shortly before, during or after birth has continued to fall across the UK, with the perinatal mortality rate now 21% lower than when MBRRACE-UK reporting began in 2013.
However, despite these improvements, babies from Black and Asian ethnic backgrounds continue to experience higher rates of stillbirth and neonatal death than white babies.
The report also found that babies born to mothers living in the most deprived areas face significantly higher risks than those living in the least deprived communities.
While the report shows that progress is possible, it also highlights how deeply entrenched disparities remain and the need for sustained action to address them.
Rachel Drain, Quality and Standards Advisor at the RCM, said: “These figures show that progress is being made in reducing baby deaths across the UK. However, this report also shines a light on inequalities that continue to affect far too many women, babies and families.
“No family should face poorer outcomes because of their ethnicity, background or postcode, yet these disparities have persisted for too long and tackling them must remain a priority across maternity services and the wider health system.
“We know that safe, personalised and culturally appropriate care can make a difference. Midwives and maternity support workers are central to delivering that care, but they need the time, staffing, training and resources to meet the needs of every woman and family they support.”
The report found that most baby deaths occurred before 37 weeks’ gestation, underlining the continued importance of improving outcomes for babies born prematurely and ensuring maternity and neonatal services are equipped to provide the specialist care families need.
The RCM said the findings reinforce the need for continued action to reduce health inequalities and improve outcomes for women and babies. The RCM supports initiatives that help maternity services better understand and respond to the needs of women experiencing disadvantage, including its Maternity Disadvantage Assessment Tool, its work on decolonising midwifery practice and wider efforts to promote culturally safe maternity care.
Rachel added: “This report shows that improvement is possible. The challenge now is ensuring that progress is shared equally. Every woman, baby and family deserves safe, high-quality care, regardless of their ethnicity, circumstances or where they live.”
