We urgently need humanised, respectful maternity care for all

Maternity services in the United Kingdom are at a precipice. The first Birth Trauma Inquiry paints a harrowing picture of the current state of maternal and newborn health.1 Findings highlight systemic and individual failures leading to life-altering psychological and physical injuries, denial of pain relief, verbal abuse, poor communication and consent, and negligence. Although these findings should give midwives, obstetricians, policymakers, and the NHS pause for thought—they come as no surprise to women’s health advocates and researchers, nor to women themselves.The UK Birth Trauma Inquiry follows the damning maternal health racial and ethnic inequities reported in the 2023 MBRRACE-UK Perinatal Confidential Enquiry,2 which concluded that, compared with White women, Black women had more difficulties accessing care or advice and were not routinely offered tests or services such as blood tests for gestational diabetes. Collectively, the inquiry and MBRRACE-UK reports show the concerning state of quality, safety, and equity in maternity…
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