The government's response to recommendations made by the House of
Commons Health and Social Care Committee's inquiry into Black
maternal health.
Government response to the
Health and Social Care Committee's third report of session 2024
to 2026: Black maternal health
Details
It is a priority for this government to make sure all women and
babies receive the high-quality care they deserve, regardless of
their background, location or ethnicity.
We agree with the Health and Social Care Committee (HSCC) that addressing
the shocking inequalities that exist across maternity and
neonatal care is fundamental to ensuring all women and babies
receive safe, personalised and compassionate care.
In our response to the HSCC's Black
maternal health report, we:
- accept the broad points made by the committee
- outline the range of actions already underway to address
maternal inequalities for Black women, including on culture,
racism, leadership, workforce and data
- do not accept the committee's recommendation to restore the
dedicated ring-fenced Service Development Funding for maternity
care. Our approach is consistent with our wider intention to give
local healthcare leaders - who are best placed to decide how to
serve their local community - more flexibility
In June 2025, the Department of Health and Social Care announced
a range of actions to help
address maternal inequalities for Black women.
