Inequalities in perinatal care

Every healthcare professional has a responsibility to make sure that patients receive safe personalised equitable maternity care.

Persistent inequalities in perinatal care puts patients at risk of poor outcomes, causes a lack of trust and can lead to patients not accessing the care available to them.

MBRRACE-UK highlights that women from Black ethnic backgrounds and Asian ethnic backgrounds are more likely to die compared to White women. In a rapid evidence review of ethnic inequalities in healthcare, the NHS Race and Health Observatory says that the impact of negative interactions and cultural insensitivity towards ethnic minority women leads to poorer engagement with healthcare services.

Religion can have a negative impact on patients’ experience of maternity care, particularly ethnic minority patients. A report by the Muslim Women’s Network UK on the Maternity experiences of Muslim women from racialised minority communities demonstrates that. It highlights a range of issues including women feeling a lack of compassion and respect, as well as areas covered in other parts of this resource such as women being examined without consent.

The impact of social disadvantage for all ethnic groups is a factor highlighted by MBRRACE-UK which shows that women living in the most deprived areas are more than twice as likely to die compared to women living in the least deprived areas. In its position statement on poverty, deprivation and women’s health, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) highlights the link between deprivation and delayed access to, and low engagement with, antenatal care.

Be aware of disparities faced by patients living in rural areas. The Remote and rural healthcare inquiry in Scotland highlighted challenges faced by people accessing maternity services. Similar challenges for all patients were highlighted by NHS Confederation’s briefing on Rural Health and Care Services in Wales.

Gender identity can also impact peoples’ experience of perinatal care. In its report on trans and non binary experiences of maternity services, LGBT Foundation highlights findings around patients not feeling respected by the professionals treating them.