Black Maternal Health Week

Paid tribute to the hon. Member for Streatham and highlighted that black women are four times more likely to die during pregnancy and childbirth compared to white women, with mixed background women three times as likely and Asian women twice as likely. Emphasized the need for immediate change based on stark statistics from MBRRACE-UK showing higher mortality rates among ethnic minority women compared to white women. Noted that black babies have a 121% increased risk of stillbirth and a 50% increased risk of neonatal death, with these disparities widening since 2013. Raised concerns about medical mistreatment impacting faith in health services and highlighted the impact of hostile environment policies on asylum seekers accessing healthcare. Asks if the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities will look at how ethnicity impacts on maternal and infant health outcomes, beyond addressing modifiable risk factors like smoking and drinking.

Expressed appreciation for the debate on black maternal health, highlighting concerns about racial disparities in maternal health outcomes. Cited recommendations from the Five X More campaign and called for immediate action to address these disparities. Questioned the Minister about upcoming responses from committees and the effectiveness of existing initiatives such as expert forums and research projects. Asks the minister to reassure Members that the Government will continue to push the message that vaccines do not affect fertility or pregnancy, encouraging pregnant women and those of childbearing age to get vaccinated.

Expressed the importance of addressing disparities in black maternal health, highlighting that black women have a fourfold higher risk of dying during pregnancy compared to white counterparts. Emphasised the need for NHS staff to listen to black women's concerns and ensure they receive appropriate care and pain relief. Welcomes the establishment of a new office but questions whether risk factors such as obesity, alcohol and smoking are being used to suggest that disproportionate outcomes for black women are due to these habits.

She highlighted the significant disparities in maternal health outcomes for black women, noting that they are four times more likely to die during pregnancy or childbirth compared to white European women. Ms Eshalomi shared her personal experience of facing complications during her pregnancies and the fear and anxiety associated with these experiences. She called for a change in narrative and emphasized the importance of listening to the voices of black women and their experiences, which are crucial for improving health outcomes. The statistics show higher maternal death rates and negative experiences for black and Asian women, but this does not negate the fact that some white women also go through similar experiences. The speaker asks if improving outcomes for one group will improve outcomes for all groups.

The statistics are alarming, as black ladies are four times more likely to die in childbirth. I agree with the hon. Lady that the Government and Minister have a responsibility urgently to outline steps to address this.

I am aware of research from the USA showing that black and Asian women still experience worse outcomes than comparable white women even when they do not have pre-existing medical conditions, speak English as their first language, and come from middle-class backgrounds. This highlights a systemic issue requiring urgent action. Highlighted that public awareness of disparities in maternal health outcomes for black women is crucial, suggesting a potential outcry if people understood the issue better.

A constituent of mine, Jade Sullivan, has shared her experiences of disparities in maternity care for black women, highlighting the need for specific actions to improve safety and reduce disparities in maternal health outcomes. I agree with the hon. Member that we need a clear plan outlining the necessary actions.