MPs to debate petition relating to Black maternal healthcare and mortality

Improve Maternal Mortality Rates and Health Care for Black Women in the U.K.

The petition, which received over 187,000 signatures, states: “Black Women in the U.K. are 5 times more likely to die during pregnancy and after childbirth compared to White Women (MBRRACE, 2019). We need more research done into why this is happening and recommendations to improve health care for Black Women as urgent action is needed to address this disparity.”

In response to the petition, the Government said: “The Government is funding a NIHR Policy Research Unit in Maternal and Neonatal Health and Care study into factors associated with the higher risk of maternal death for Black and South Asian women”.

What are petitions debates?

Petitions debates are ‘general’ debates which allow MPs from all parties to discuss the important issues raised by one, or more petitions, and put their concerns to Government Ministers.

Further Information

• Find out more about the role of the Petitions Committee
• Find out more about select committees

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