Racism and staffing issues factors in 'failing' maternity care, report finds
BBC World
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Maternity services in England are failing "too many" families due to systemic issues such as racism, poor staff relationships, and structural inequalities. An interim report led by Baroness Amos, commissioned by the government, identified six key factors contributing to these failures, including depleted staffing levels, inadequate accountability, and persistent discrimination against marginalized groups. These problems affect every stage of the maternity journey, from antenatal care to postnatal support, leaving countless women and babies at risk.
The report highlights how structural racism and poor management have allowed harmful behaviors, such as bullying and neglect, to go unchecked. This has disproportionately impacted Black, Asian, and disadvantaged women, who face higher risks of adverse outcomes. For example, families like Orlando Davis’s lost their child due to preventable errors in care, with mothers often feeling unheard and blamed for their own suffering. These cases underscore the lack of compassion and transparency in handling baby loss and harm.
Additionally, outdated facilities and staffing shortages further compound these issues, creating unsafe environments for both patients and staff. Baroness Amos’s findings align with years of reporting by outlets like the BBC, which have documented similar failures across multiple NHS trusts. These systemic problems not only endanger lives but also perpetuate cycles of trauma and inequality.
Despite knowing about these issues for years, there has been little progress in addressing them. However, Health Secretary Wes Streeting has pledged to act on Baroness Amos’s final recommendations, due in April 2024. The report calls for urgent reforms to improve accountability, eliminate discrimination, and enhance care quality. Until these changes are implemented, families will continue to suffer the consequences of a failing system.
This issue matters globally as it highlights systemic failures in healthcare that disproportionately affect marginalized communities. Addressing these problems
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/26/2026