New official statistics have revealed a troubling increase in the number of women in the United Kingdom dying during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth, leading to a failure to meet a key national safety target.
A Concerning Upward Trend in Mortality
The latest audit from MBRRACE-UK, the official body that monitors mother and baby deaths, shows there were 252 maternal deaths between 2022 and 2024. This figure represents a rate of 12.8 deaths per 100,000 women giving birth. Critically, this is approximately 20% higher than the mortality rates recorded for the period 2009 to 2011.
This upward trend means the government has unequivocally failed to achieve its target of halving maternal death rates by 2025. This ambition was first announced in 2015 by the then-health secretary, Jeremy Hunt, with an original 2030 deadline that was later brought forward.
Persistent and Stark Inequalities
The report uncovers deep and persistent inequalities in maternal outcomes across the UK. The data shows that women from black ethnic backgrounds faced a mortality rate between 2022 and 2024 that was three times higher than that of white women. This disparity exists despite previous indications that rates were beginning to fall.
Furthermore, a strong link to deprivation was confirmed. Women living in the most deprived areas of the country had mortality rates almost double those of women residing in the least deprived areas.
Causes of Death and Official Response
The audit identifies the leading causes of maternal death. Blood clots (thrombosis) are the primary cause during pregnancy or within six weeks after birth. For deaths occurring between six weeks and one year after childbirth, suicide is the leading cause, highlighting the critical importance of perinatal mental health support.
Professor Marian Knight, director of the National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit and MBRRACE-UK lead, stated: "These latest data highlight the need for a renewed focus on maternal mortality and the critical actions required to ensure safe and equitable maternity care for all women in the UK."
In response, Kate Brintworth, chief midwifery officer for England, acknowledged the tragedy of every death and outlined new measures. These include best-practice standards for earlier blood clot assessment and improved perinatal mental health care identification.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson confirmed new NHS guidance is being rolled out from this week to tackle leading causes like thrombosis and mental health. The government is also investing over £130 million in safer maternity and neonatal units and has ordered a rapid national investigation into the drivers of inequality.
The spokesperson added: "It is unacceptable that some women face far greater risks than others simply because of their ethnicity or where they live, and addressing these inequalities is a priority."
