New data released by MBRRACE-UK today highlight the need for urgent action to save more babies’ lives and tackle inequalities in baby loss.
The latest data show that between 2021 and 2022 the rate of neonatal mortality (babies dying within 28 days of birth) increased in the UK. And while there was a welcome decrease in rates of stillbirth between 2021 and 2022, the rate remains the same as it was in 2019.
Between 2021 and 2022 there was an increase in the neonatal mortality rate for babies born to mothers from the most deprived areas of the UK, which is now twice as high as the rate in the least deprived.
Data confirms persistent inequalities in baby loss by ethnicity
Among babies of Asian ethnicity rates of neonatal death have been increasing since 2020. Rates of neonatal death among babies of Black and Asian ethnicity are over 50% higher than for White babies.
"Today's data show that neonatal deaths among babies of Black and Asian ethnicity are persistently higher than for white babies. Every baby's life matters. And no baby should have an increased risk of dying because of their race or ethnicity. That's why we are calling for action to end inequalities and systemic racism in maternity and neonatal care.
"We need the new government to commit to tackling inequalities in maternity outcomes with a focus on babies. We want to work with them and NHS leaders on creating long-term, funded plans aimed at eliminating inequalities in pregnancy loss and baby deaths.
"There is no doubt that listening to parents saves babies’ lives. We will continue to ensure parents' voices are at the heart of research and policy changes to improve maternity safety and reduce inequalities. Sands is here for anyone who has experienced pregnancy or baby loss, always, because every baby and every family matters to us."
- Kate Mulley, Sands' Director of Research, Education and Policy
Sands’ End Inequality In Baby Loss campaign is calling for action across the Government, NHS and professional bodies to make care safer and more equitable.
You can help today by signing an open letter to the new government, calling on them to take bolder action to save Black and Asian babies’ lives.
The new government must improve maternity care for all
Recent analysis by the Sands and Tommy's Joint Policy Unit has highlighted how existing commitments to invest in maternity and neonatal services have not kept up with inflation.
The Joint Policy Unit analysis also highlighted unacceptable variation in the provision of optimal neonatal care across the country, meaning that babies born preterm are not consistently receiving best-practice care.
“The new data released by MBRRACE-UK today highlight the need for urgent action to save more babies’ lives and tackle inequalities in baby loss. The data show that between 2021 and 2022 the rate of neonatal mortality (babies dying within 28 days of birth) increased in the UK.
“Between 2021 and 2022 there was an increase in the neonatal mortality rate for babies born to mothers from the most deprived areas of the UK, which is now twice as high the rate in the least deprived. Among babies of Asian ethnicity rates of neonatal death have been increasing since 2020. Rates of neonatal death among babies of Black and Asian ethnicity are over 50% higher than for White babies.
“The Labour manifesto promises that no matter your background, you can thrive. This must start from pregnancy and birth. The previous government set ambitions in England to reduce rates of neonatal mortality and stillbirth by 2025, which we are not on track to meet.
"The new government must renew these ambitions, but with the focus to ensure they can be achieved, including a plan to ensure existing commitments to invest in maternity and neonatal services reflect inflation increases.”
- Rob Wilson, Head of the Sands and Tommy’s Joint Policy Unit
Read more on why we think the new government must commit to transformative change to save more babies’ lives.
Get the full data release from MBRRACE-UK.
Sands is here for anyone affected by pregnancy loss or the death of a baby, however recently or longer ago, for as long as they need this.
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