Maternal death rate in UK rose by 20% over 14 years despite Tory pledge

"The rate of women dying during or soon after pregnancy in the UK has increased by 20% over the last decade, despite the Conservatives having pledged to halve it, according to figures experts have described as an absolute tragedy. In 2015, the then Tory health secretary, Jeremy Hunt, vowed to reduce maternal deaths by 50% by 2030 and make the NHS one of the safest places in the world to have a baby. In 2017, he brought the date forward to 2025."

"However, figures from MBRRACE-UK, a research project led by the University of Oxford, show the rate of women dying during the Conservatives' 14 years in government went up, not down. Health leaders and campaigners said the 20% increase between 2009-11 and 2022-24 was shocking and showed something had clearly gone badly wrong. The rate of indirect maternal deaths, caused by pre-existing conditions exacerbated by pregnancy was largely unchanged over the last 15 years, up 3%."

"However, the number of deaths linked directly to pregnancy, including from bleeding, blood clots and pre-eclampsia, grew by 52%. The leading cause of death during pregnancy or up to six weeks afterward was blood clots, which can generally be resolved if spotted and treated early enough. Prof Marian Knight, the MBRRACE-UK programme lead, said the rise was very concerning, especially as pressures on maternity services have not eased."

Maternal death rates in the UK rose by 20% between 2009-11 and 2022-24. Direct deaths linked to pregnancy, including bleeding, blood clots and pre-eclampsia, increased by 52%. Indirect maternal deaths from pre-existing conditions were largely unchanged, rising 3% over 15 years. Blood clots were the leading cause of death during pregnancy and up to six weeks postpartum and are often treatable if identified early. MBRRACE-UK data cover the Conservatives' 14 years in government and show the target to halve maternal mortality by 2025 was not met. Health leaders describe the rise as shocking amid ongoing pressures on maternity services.

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