Black Mothers Detail 'Dehumanising' Maternity Care Experiences in UK Hospitals
Black mothers across the United Kingdom are speaking out about what they describe as "dehumanising" and traumatic experiences within the maternity care system, citing inadequate pain relief, a lack of compassion from healthcare staff, and long-term emotional and physical consequences. These accounts emerge as government officials acknowledge stark racial disparities, with black women being twice as likely to die during childbirth compared to white women—a statistic labeled an "absolute outrage" by authorities.
Personal Stories of Pain and Neglect
Tenisha Howell, a 33-year-old mother of five, recounted one of the most distressing moments during her recent childbirth. "I was screaming in agonising pain as the gas and air wore off," she explained. "The midwife told me to shut up multiple times and then put her hand over my mouth. It was very disheartening and sad." Tenisha questioned whether she would survive the ordeal, highlighting the profound stress and fear that many black women face.
Shakira Akabusi, 38, shared a similar narrative of neglect during the birth of her second son. "I was down on all fours, clinging to the wall, asking for medication, but I was denied repeatedly and ignored," she said. "It was a horrifying experience to be in so much pain and have nobody listen." In another instance, Shakira requested alternative medication after a C-section, only to have a nurse angrily discard morphine and leave her alone for hours.
Kadi Wilson, 43, continues to suffer from childbirth injuries sustained 15 years ago, including a severe fourth-degree vaginal tear. She described a scene of isolation and dismissal in the hospital. "I was pressing the call button and no one came. I was crying my eyes out, and nurses just walked past me—it was very cold and dismissive." Kadi emphasized that these subtle, hostile actions left her feeling ignored and devalued.
Systemic Issues and Racial Disparities
Dr. Michelle Peter, co-author of the Five X More Black Maternity Experiences Report, provided insight into the broader systemic problems. The report surveyed over 1,000 black and mixed-heritage women in the UK, revealing that 54% faced challenges with healthcare professionals, and nearly a quarter did not receive requested pain relief. "This dismissal of black women's pain is linked to historical and ongoing racialised assumptions about pain tolerance and vulnerability," Dr. Peter noted.
She stressed that while maternity services are under pressure, the disproportionate impact on black women cannot be attributed solely to resource issues. "If it were purely about capacity, poor outcomes would be evenly distributed across all backgrounds, but they are not. We need to ask why black women experience these at a greater rate."
Government Response and Ongoing Investigations
Baroness Merron, parliamentary under-secretary of state for patient safety, women's health, and mental health, condemned the disparities, stating it is "absolutely unacceptable that black and Asian women are more likely to die in childbirth." She affirmed that an independent investigation led by Baroness Amos is focusing on inequalities and discrimination within NHS maternity services, with plans to implement changes urgently.
The investigation aims to explore the impact of discrimination against women of colour, acknowledging that too many women receive unacceptable care leading to tragic outcomes. However, as these efforts progress, women like Tenisha, Shakira, and Kadi continue to navigate a system where their pain is often minimized and their concerns overlooked.
The Human Cost Behind Statistics
Kadi Wilson urged the public to look beyond the numbers. "When we see the statistics, you have to first look at the faces and people behind it," she said. Shakira added that the treatment left her feeling "so scared and inferior because of the colour of my skin—it feels dehumanising." These personal testimonies underscore the urgent need for systemic reform to ensure equitable and compassionate maternity care for all women in the UK.
