Latest data published by MBRRACE-UK calls for a renewed focus on tackling maternal mortality, following a 20% increase in the mortality rate for women who died during or soon after pregnancy between 2022 and 2024 compared to the maternal death rate between 2009 and 2011 when the government set an ambition to halve the rate of maternal deaths in England by 2025.
"These latest data highlight the need for a renewed focus on maternal mortality and the critical actions required to ensure safe and equitable maternity care for all women in the UK. While the change in the overall maternal mortality rate between 2021-23 and 2022-24 is not significantly different, a 20% increase in maternal deaths over a 15-year period is very concerning, especially as pressures on maternity services have not eased. The newly announced maternal care bundle in England, and similar initiatives in the devolved nations, are important next steps to reverse these trends."
The report found blood clots are the leading cause of maternal death either during pregnancy or in the six weeks after giving birth, while suicide is the leading cause of maternal deaths happening from six weeks to a year after birth. It also found inequalities, with mortality rates for women from black ethnic backgrounds in 2022 to 2024 three times higher than that of white women, despite the rates previously starting to fall.
Source: https://www.npeu.ox.ac.uk
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