Data released today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show there continues to be persistent inequalities in rates of stillbirth and pre-term birth by ethnicity and deprivation. Some of these inequalities widened between 2020 and 2021.

The Sands & Tommy's Joint Policy Unit has raised concerns about today's figures, particularly around worsening inequalities related to ethnicity and depravation. 

The statistics confirm that the government is not on course to meet its ambitions to reduce rates of stillbirth by 50% by 2025 (compared to 2010 levels), nor to meet its ambitions for reducing rates of pre-term birth.

"Stronger action is required from government both within and outside of the health service to improve outcomes and address persistent inequalities by ethnicity and deprivation. We know from our own work at Tommy's and Sands that people can face a range of barriers to accessing maternity services, and that there is variation in people’s experience of care.

"Maternity services are currently under substantial pressure. It is important that government provides the workforce and funding needed to deliver safe and equitable care, to ensure the best possible outcomes for all."

- Rob Wilson, Head of the Sands & Tommy's Joint Policy Unit

What the ONS statistics tell us about baby deaths

• Babies of Black ethnicity continued to have the highest rates of stillbirth, and the gap compared to rates of stillbirth among babies of White ethnicity increased between 2020 to 2021.
   
• Rates of pre-term birth also continued to be significantly higher among babies of Black ethnicity.
   
• The stillbirth rate among babies born in the most deprived areas of England is double that in the least deprived, with the gap in rates between the least and most deprived higher in 2021 than it was in 2020.
   
• The data also confirms that the overall rate of stillbirth increased in England and Wales in 2021, following a long period where it declined every year. 

"It is unacceptable that babies and mothers should be more at risk of dying because of their ethnicity, income or where they live. These latest ONS figures only add to the evidence that more must be done to address the stark inequalities in perinatal mortality rates.

"Sands is committed to improving maternity safety and we need the Government to make this a priority. We know that the NHS is under enormous pressure and a better-supported workforce is vital to supporting improvements in maternity and neonatal care. But workforce numbers are going in the wrong direction.

"As part of the Autumn Statement, the Government announced that it would follow recommendation in the Ockenden Review for 2,000 extra midwives in England. We are yet to see a plan for how this will be implemented and will be monitoring the Government’s progress to ensure they deliver on their promises."

- Clea Harmer, Sands' Chief Executive

Sands is here to support you

Sands offers support and training to midwives, and other healthcare workers, to ensure they have the skills they need to both care for bereaved families, and to look after their own wellbeing.

We are here to support anyone affected by pregnancy loss or the death of a baby, however recently or longer ago, for as long as they need this.

Read the full ONS statistical release: Birth characteristics in England and Wales: 2021