Systemic negligence in maternity care disproportionately affects black women, according to a recent UK report
In a damning indictment of the UK's maternity system, a new report by campaign group Five X More has highlighted systemic issues and discrimination faced by Black and mixed-ethnicity women. The report, which surveyed over 1,100 Black and mixed-ethnicity women who were pregnant between July 2021 and March 2025, has called for several key actions to address these issues.
One of the main recommendations is strengthening clinical knowledge and training on conditions that disproportionately affect Black women. This includes providing resources and education to healthcare professionals to improve their understanding and management of these conditions.
Improving communication and empathy in healthcare settings is another crucial action. The report emphasizes the importance of addressing racist comments, providing adequate explanations for medical procedures, and ensuring that women's concerns are taken seriously.
Supporting informed consent and access to pain relief options is also highlighted as a key area for improvement. Many women reported being denied pain relief or not being adequately supported during labor.
Promoting awareness of maternity rights among Black and mixed-ethnicity women is seen as crucial. This can empower them to advocate for themselves more effectively during their care.
Addressing systemic neglect and discriminatory treatment is another important action. This includes ensuring that healthcare professionals are held accountable for their actions and that systemic changes are implemented to prevent neglect and discrimination.
The report also calls for clearer accountability in complaint systems and better data collection around ethnicity and outcomes in maternity services.
Sadly, the report reveals that over a quarter (28%) of the surveyed women experienced discrimination, with one in four believing it was due to their race. Dr Sarah Tade, one of the women who shared her experience, stated that her first labor was marked by pain and disbelief, with racial undertones in her communication with healthcare workers.
Instances of discrimination, such as being questioned, patronized, or asked if she was sure she wasn't just high when expressing pain during labor, are considered overt racism that the women are facing. Other examples of discrimination include a health visitor comparing a woman's care in the UK to care in Africa, in an attempt to make her feel grateful for her care, and a woman being told, "thank goodness you got that monkey out of you."
Black women also face higher risks of serious complications and mental health challenges during and after pregnancy. Previous data shows that Black women are up to four times more likely to die in childbirth than white women.
Five X More, the grassroots organization behind the research, is calling for urgent action. The findings of the report suggest clear systemic failings within the UK's maternity care, including widespread accounts of neglect and discriminatory treatment. By implementing these actions, the UK can work towards reducing the disparities in maternity care experienced by Black and mixed-ethnicity women.
- The report recommends that health-and-wellness sector should focus on strengthening clinical knowledge and training on medical-conditions that disproportionately affect Black women, including menopause and womens-health issues.
- The travel industry, particularly cultural-travel companies, could contribute to health-and-wellness improvement by incorporating education about mental-health issues that Black and mixed-ethnicity women may face during and after pregnancy as part of their itineraries and initiatives.
- To address the systemic issues faced by Black and mixed-ethnicity women, the UK government should prioritize promoting lifestyle changes that support mental-health, health-and-wellness, and womens-health. This includes campaigns for stress-management techniques, regular exercise, and nutritious eating.
- Encouraging Black and mixed-ethnicity women to travel and explore different cultures could have a positive impact on their mental-health and overall well-being, providing a needed break from the everyday discrimination and stresses they face. Travel, by broadening perspectives and offering new experiences, can contribute to a more positive outlook and improved mental health.
