RCOG responds to latest MBRRACE-UK Maternal report

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) responses to the latest MBRRACE-UK report released today, which looks into maternal deaths and morbidity between 2017 and 2019 in the UK.

Dr Edward Morris, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said:

“The latest MBRRACE-UK report acts as a reminder of the urgent action required to reduce the inequalities in maternity care that exist due to a woman’s socioeconomic status, age, and ethnicity. It is unacceptable that there has been no significant reduction in maternal deaths in the past decade, and this needs to be addressed.

“This report shows clearly why the UK Government must adopt a target and strategy to end the persistent and harmful unequal maternal outcomes for women from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups, working with women from diverse backgrounds. 

“We also recognise the importance of mental health support as it remains a leading cause of maternal death during pregnancy and within the first postnatal year. Individualised recommendations of care based on a woman’s personal needs must be a priority, and digital tools such as the Tommy’s app which has been developed by the RCOG and Royal College of Midwives and aids clinical decisions based on individual social and medical needs, should be embraced to improve maternity care.

“The focus on women giving birth over the age of 45 is a welcomed, as the maternal age increases year on year.

“We will respond to the direct recommendations raised in the report in due course.”

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact the RCOG press office on +44 (0)7740 175342 or email pressoffice@rcog.org.uk

Notes to Editor

• The Full MBRRACE-UK report can be read here

About RCOG

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists is a medical charity that champions the provision of high quality women’s healthcare in the UK and beyond. It is dedicated to encouraging the study and advancing the science and practice of obstetrics and gynaecology. It does this through postgraduate medical education and training and the publication of clinical guidelines and reports on aspects of the specialty and service provision.