Maternal death rate rises 20% as government misses 2025 target

Official figures show maternal deaths in the UK rose 20% for 2022–24 compared with 2009–11, and the government has not met its 2025 target; officials have ordered a rapid national investigation and new NHS guidance is being rolled out.

New figures show an increase in women dying during pregnancy or in the year after giving birth in the UK, and the rise means the national target to halve maternal deaths by 2025 has not been met. The data, published by the MBRRACE-UK programme, cover deaths recorded between 2022 and 2024. Health leaders have pointed to persistent inequalities by ethnicity and area deprivation as part of the concern. Officials have announced immediate steps to review and respond to the findings. Key facts: - MBRRACE-UK recorded 252 maternal deaths for 2022–24, reported as equivalent to 12.8 deaths per 100,000 births, and noted as 20% higher than rates in 2009–11. - The report states mortality for women from Black ethnic backgrounds in 2022–24 was about three times higher than for white women, and women in the most deprived areas had rates almost twice those in the least deprived areas. - Blood clots were reported as the leading cause of maternal death during pregnancy and up to six weeks after birth, and suicide was reported as the leading cause between six weeks and one year after birth. - The Secretary of State has ordered a rapid national investigation and will chair a taskforce; the Department of Health and Social Care says new NHS guidance is being rolled out and additional funding is being directed to improve maternity and neonatal safety. Summary: The rise in maternal deaths and the unequal patterns reported have prompted officials to announce an immediate investigation, a minister-led taskforce, and the rollout of updated NHS guidance and funding for maternity services. The data underline disparities by ethnicity and deprivation alongside the overall increase in deaths. The investigation and taskforce were announced as next steps; further details and timelines were reported as undetermined at this time.