Received from: RCM
Congress notes that racism within maternity services remains a serious public health and workplace issue. The recent Baroness Amos Review exposed systemic racism, unsafe staffing, discrimination, poor workplace cultures and a lack of accountability across maternity and neonatal services. These findings reinforce longstanding evidence that Black women continue to experience poorer outcomes and are significantly less likely to receive equitable and compassionate care. Black women remain almost three times more likely to die during pregnancy or shortly after birth than white women.
Congress believes these inequalities are neither inevitable nor acceptable. Racism has no place in our NHS. It undermines trust, damages the wellbeing of staff and patients, and prevents maternity staff from delivering the high-quality care every family deserves. Employers and government have a shared responsibility to tackle structural racism, and ensure services are safe, inclusive and accountable.
Congress therefore calls on the government, NHS employers and all UK administrations to deliver a fully funded programme of action to eliminate racial inequalities in maternity services by:
i. introducing mandatory anti-racism and cultural competence training for all maternity staff
ii. investing in safe staffing to enure every woman receives personalised care
iii. strengthening accountability and leadership that reflects Black women, families and staff
iv. improving national data collection, reporting and engagement with affected communities to drive measurable improvements in outcomes.
Congress further calls on the TUC to work with affiliated unions to challenge racism wherever it exists and campaign for maternity services that are safe, equitable and respectful for every woman, baby and family.
Royal College of Midwives