Official figures have revealed a stark increase in the number of women dying during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth in the United Kingdom, with the government missing a key target to halve the maternal death rate.
Alarming Statistics and a Missed Target
The latest audit from MBRRACE-UK, the official body that monitors maternal and infant deaths, found there were 252 maternal deaths between 2022 and 2024. This represents a rate of 12.8 deaths per 100,000 women giving birth.
Critically, this figure is 20% higher than the rate recorded between 2009 and 2011. This upward trend means the government has failed to achieve its ambition, set in 2015 by then-Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, to reduce maternal mortality by 50%. The original 2030 deadline was later brought forward to 2025, a target that has now been missed.
Persistent and Deep-Rooted Inequalities
The report uncovers profound and unacceptable disparities in maternal health outcomes across different groups. The investigation found that mortality rates for women from black ethnic backgrounds between 2022 and 2024 were three times higher than those for white women.
Furthermore, women living in the most deprived areas of the UK continue to face mortality rates almost double those of women residing in the least deprived parts of the country. These inequalities persist despite previous efforts to address them.
Causes of Death and Government Response
The data identifies the leading causes of maternal death. Blood clots (thrombosis) are the primary cause during pregnancy or in the six weeks after birth. For deaths occurring from six weeks to a year after childbirth, suicide is the leading cause, highlighting the critical importance of perinatal mental health support.
In response to the figures, health leaders have called for urgent action. Professor Marian Knight, director of the National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit and MBRRACE-UK lead, stated the data underscores the need for a "renewed focus on maternal mortality and the critical actions required to ensure safe and equitable maternity care for all women."
Kate Brintworth, chief midwifery officer for England, described every death as a tragedy and acknowledged the scale of work needed. The NHS has outlined new best-practice standards, including better assessment for blood clots and improved perinatal mental health care.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson confirmed the rollout of new NHS guidance to tackle leading causes of death and an investment of over £130 million to improve safety. The Secretary of State has also ordered a rapid national investigation into the drivers of inequality and will chair a dedicated taskforce.
