Today, Parliament is debating Black Maternal Healthcare for the first time in its history.
The UK maternal mortality rate for white women is 8 per 100,000 live births.
For Black women, this rises to 34 per 100,000 live births #BlackMaternalHealthDebate
THREAD 🧵
The UK maternal mortality rate for white women is 8 per 100,000 live births.
For Black women, this rises to 34 per 100,000 live births #BlackMaternalHealthDebate
THREAD 🧵
In November, a @HumanRightsCtte report pointed out that the NHS "acknowledge and regret this disparity but have no target to end it".
That's scandalous.
The Government has long been aware of these disparities and failed to address them.
1/8
That's scandalous.
The Government has long been aware of these disparities and failed to address them.
1/8
The pandemic has exposed and exacerbated existing inequalities in maternity care.
Over half of pregnant women admitted with #Covid19 in the first two months were Black, Asian or from another minority ethnic group.
Black women have been 8x more likely to be admitted.
2/8
Over half of pregnant women admitted with #Covid19 in the first two months were Black, Asian or from another minority ethnic group.
Black women have been 8x more likely to be admitted.
2/8
The Government’s #RaceReport commented on these health inequalities: “highlighting this disparity without emphasising the low numbers overall, is unfair to expectant mothers everywhere”.
But it’s not just about the mothers who don’t survive, it’s also about the many who do.
3/8
But it’s not just about the mothers who don’t survive, it’s also about the many who do.
3/8
Black babies have a 121% increased risk of stillbirth.
One study in 2014 found that Black African women were 83% more likely and Black Caribbean women 80% more likely to suffer "severe maternal morbidities" compared to white women #NearMisses
4/8
One study in 2014 found that Black African women were 83% more likely and Black Caribbean women 80% more likely to suffer "severe maternal morbidities" compared to white women #NearMisses
4/8
It’s estimated that for every maternal mortality, there are 100 "severe maternal morbidities" - near misses.
As the recent @C4Dispatches documentary highlighted, the current data around these simply isn’t good enough.
5/8
As the recent @C4Dispatches documentary highlighted, the current data around these simply isn’t good enough.
5/8
Rather than listening and trying to understand why these inequalities exist (even after controlling for other factors such as class and geography) the Government has shown again and again that it would rather stoke divisions and play divide & rule.
6/8
6/8
The colour of a mother's skin should have no impact on her experience of childbirth.
Every woman deserves to feel safe and listened to at one of the most vulnerable times of her life #MaleBlackBirthBetter
7/8
Every woman deserves to feel safe and listened to at one of the most vulnerable times of her life #MaleBlackBirthBetter
7/8
Today is a reminder that we need this to change.
It's not just about actively listening, it's about acting upon Black women's experiences of these inequalities and setting meaningful targets to address them and improve #BlackMaternalHealth
8/8
It's not just about actively listening, it's about acting upon Black women's experiences of these inequalities and setting meaningful targets to address them and improve #BlackMaternalHealth
8/8
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
