Racism in maternity care puts Black and Asian mothers at risk, regulator warns

Health & Fitness
8 Apr 2026 • 10:23 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • A regulator has warned of a "national emergency" regarding racism in maternity care, launching new educational tools to combat bias.
  • Figures reveal that Black and Asian mothers face a higher risk of death during or immediately after pregnancy, and their babies are more likely to be stillborn, compared to white women.
  • The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) will work with universities to explicitly integrate anti-racism, bias awareness, and cultural competence into midwifery degree programmes by the next academic year.
  • Data from the MBRRACE programme shows Black women's maternal mortality rate is more than double the average, and Asian women also face significantly higher risks.
  • Leading health organisations, including the Royal College of Midwives and Royal College of Nursing, have welcomed the NMC's initiative as a vital step towards addressing these unacceptable health inequalities.

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