UK Report Exposes Systemic Neglect in Maternity Care for Black Women

A comprehensive study has revealed significant systemic neglect within the United Kingdom’s maternity care, particularly affecting Black and mixed-ethnicity women. The findings indicate that over half of Black women who voiced concerns during labour felt their issues were disregarded. The report, titled the Black Maternity Experiences Report, was released earlier this week by the advocacy group Five X More. It surveyed more than 1,100 Black and mixed-ethnicity women who were pregnant between July 2021 and March 2025.

The report outlines numerous failings in maternity care, highlighting widespread accounts of neglect and discriminatory treatment. Many participants described their experiences as painful and distressing. Dr. Sarah Tade, one of the women who contributed her experience, shared that her first labour was fraught with agony and disbelief. “My first labour experience was horrendous, I was in agony,” she stated. “There was definitely racial undertones in how I was communicated to. So when I kept voicing that I’m in pain, I was questioned, patronised, really.” She recounted a particular incident where a healthcare worker asked, “Are you sure you’re not just high?”

The report reveals that more than half of the respondents faced challenges with healthcare professionals during their care. Of those who expressed concerns while giving birth, just under half reported feeling unacknowledged or inadequately supported. Notably, 23 percent of participants claimed they were denied pain relief upon request, often without any explanation. Many women described being dismissed or patronised even while experiencing severe discomfort.

Discrimination and Overt Racism in Maternity Care

The report also highlighted alarming instances of overt racism encountered by Black women in maternity settings. Over a quarter of the women surveyed, specifically 28 percent, indicated they had experienced discrimination, with one in four attributing it to their race. Dr. Michelle Peter, one of the report’s authors, detailed some shocking examples: “One woman was told that, you know, thank goodness you got that monkey out of you, which was absolutely shocking,” she said. “Another woman had a health visitor compare the care that she was having here in the UK to the care that she might get in Africa, in an attempt to kind of make her feel grateful that she was having her care here.”

Such examples underscore the urgent need for change in how maternity care is delivered to Black women. Previous research has shown that Black women are up to four times more likely to die during childbirth compared to their white counterparts, and they face higher risks of serious complications as well as mental health challenges during and after pregnancy.

In light of these findings, Five X More is advocating for immediate reforms in the maternity care system. Their recommendations include the implementation of mandatory training in cultural competence for healthcare professionals, improved accountability in complaint systems, and enhanced data collection regarding ethnicity and outcomes in maternity services.

The Black Maternity Experiences Report serves as a critical call to action for healthcare providers and policymakers to address these systemic issues and ensure equitable care for all women during one of the most vulnerable times in their lives. The report emphasizes that such neglect and discrimination cannot continue unchecked, and urgent measures are necessary to protect the wellbeing of Black and mixed-ethnicity mothers in the UK.