Five X More’s The Black Maternity Experiences Survey: nationwide study of Black women’s experiences of maternity services in the UK encompasses the views of more than 1,300 Black and Black mixed women who accessed NHS maternity services between 2016 and 2021. This report a vital illustration of the experiences of women using maternity services in the UK today.
The findings make for difficult reading, and sets out actions for the whole health system, including UK Government NHS, local health leaders, and healthcare professionals to make the changes that are so urgently needed to ensure Black women do not continue to face inequities and discrimination during their maternity journey.
Dr Christine Ekechi, Co-Chair of the RCOG’s Race Equality Taskforce, said:
“It is unacceptable that 43% of respondents in this report felt that their race, ethnicity, age or class impacted on their care. The harmful and disturbing attitudes described have absolutely no place anywhere in our society especially in a healthcare setting.
“Through the RCOG’s Race Equality Taskforce, we are striving to ensure racism and bias is eliminated within obstetrics and gynaecology. We are committed to working together with policy makers and healthcare providers to address discrimination, bias and poor behaviours by improving training for doctors and ensuring we are attracting a diverse and anti-racist workforce.”
ENDS
For media enquiries please contact the RCOG press office on +44 (0)7740 175342 or email pressoffice@rcog.org.uk.
Notes to Editor
- Find out more about the RCOG’s Race Equality Taskforce.
The RCOG and Five X More have collaborated to produce five steps for healthcare professionals to help drive change and change attitudes.