Maternity Care in England Faces Scathing Report Over Systemic Failures
An interim report into maternity and neonatal services across England has uncovered deeply troubling allegations of racism, bullying, crumbling infrastructure, and births occurring in undignified conditions. The investigation, led by Baroness Amos, concludes that these services are failing a significant number of women, babies, families, and staff, painting a grim picture of persistent systemic issues.
Shocking Allegations and Disturbing Details
Investigators spoke to hundreds of harmed families and staff across 12 NHS trusts in England, revealing accounts that include racist remarks, such as a hospital staff member training students who was heard saying, "The bloody Asian ones just go on and on and on." Staff reported instances of verbal aggression, bullying, and racist behavior among colleagues, with some midwives even expressing embarrassment about their profession due to the poor public perception.
Infrastructure problems were highlighted, including delivery rooms with doors left open during instrumental vaginal births due to space constraints, protected only by a screen. In one hospital, staff on a labour ward included weather reports in clinical handovers because of leaks when it rains, underscoring the dilapidated state of facilities.
Allegations of Misclassified Deaths and Lack of Accountability
Some families alleged that baby deaths were being misclassified as stillbirths instead of deaths occurring after birth, with the report suggesting that this practice may prevent cases from being investigated by a coroner. Jack and Sarah Hawkins, whose daughter Harriet was stillborn, have fought for a separate inquiry in Nottingham, expressing skepticism about the current investigation. Sarah stated, "This report isn't going to change anything," calling for a statutory public inquiry and justice for affected families.
Baroness Amos, who has spent six months engaging with hundreds of families, MPs, and hospital staff, noted that the flaws highlighted are depressingly familiar, including cover-ups and a burnt-out workforce. She emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, questioning how such conditions can be acceptable in 2026.
Broader Implications and Calls for Change
The National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation (NMNI) was established by Health Secretary Wes Streeting in June after meetings with families harmed by poor maternity care. In her initial report released in December, Baroness Amos said "nothing prepared her" for the extent of unacceptable care currently experienced. Investigators have met over 400 family members and heard from more than 8,000 people, including NHS staff.
Analysis points to a toxic environment in some maternity units, where racist and bullying behavior goes unaddressed by managers, and stereotypes persist, such as Asian women being labeled "princesses" or black women as having "tough skin." The lack of transparency when things go wrong often leaves litigation as the only option for parents, compounding their suffering.
While this report sheds light on known issues, the real test will come with the publication of Baroness Amos's final report and whether her recommendations can drive the lasting change desperately needed in England's maternity services.
