Childbirth is a vulnerable time, especially for black women who face higher risks and poorer outcomes in the UK’s maternity services. Shocking statistics reveal that black women are almost twice as likely to experience serious birth complications, with Asian women also at a greater risk. Institutional racism and failings in maternity services are the root causes, leading to investigations and high mortality rates.
Issues like poor record keeping, hierarchical culture, and pressures on the NHS contribute to the problem. Hospitals continue to prioritize vaginal births despite caesarean section targets being scrapped. Women, especially black, Asian, and minority ethnic patients, are often dismissed when raising concerns, perpetuating discriminatory treatment.
The broader issue of cultural competence is also highlighted, with medical staff lacking awareness of specific community needs. The government and NHS have been urged to address racism in maternity care, with calls for decolonizing the curriculum and setting specific targets to close the mortality gap. Improving maternity services requires a concerted effort to recognize and tackle racism to ensure better outcomes for all women.
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