Today, the Women and Equalities Committee has published a new report calling on the Government to set a definitive target to eliminate disparities in maternal deaths.
Key recommendations of the report include addressing barriers to tackling inequalities, such as staff shortages, improving data collection and setting a target to end racial disparities in maternal deaths.
Responding to the report, Dr Ranee Thakar, President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said:
“This is a vital report which highlights the urgent need to address the unacceptable disparities that persist in maternity care. The Maternity Disparities Taskforce must lead a cross-government target and strategy to drive a sustained reduction in racial and ethnic disparities to ensure that tackling these inequities is a Government priority.
“We welcome the recommendations within the report, including recognising staff shortages as a barrier to improving maternity care. We need to see additional investment of £200-350 million per year in maternity to ensure that there is safe staffing in midwifery and obstetrics.”
ENDS
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Notes to Editors