Black mothers in the United Kingdom have shared troubling accounts of neglect, dismissed pain, and long-lasting trauma during childbirth, as fresh reporting and ongoing investigations shine a spotlight on persistent racial disparities in maternity care.
According to a recent report by Sky News, several women treated at different hospitals described strikingly similar experiences — including inadequate pain relief, lack of compassion from staff, and feeling ignored while in distress.
One mother said she was told to “shut up” during labour, while another recounted being denied medication and left alone for hours following a caesarean section. A third woman described repeatedly pressing her hospital call button while in severe pain after childbirth, only to be ignored by staff.
Disparities Backed by Data
The personal testimonies reflect broader systemic concerns. Research cited in the report found that more than half of surveyed Black and mixed-heritage women experienced challenges with healthcare professionals during pregnancy and childbirth, while nearly one in four said they did not receive requested pain relief.
Experts say these experiences are linked to long-standing racialised assumptions about Black women’s pain tolerance. Dr Michelle Peter, co-author of a major maternity experiences study, noted that dismissing Black women’s pain is a common pattern reported by patients.
The UK government has acknowledged the seriousness of the issue, calling it an “absolute outrage” that Black women are significantly more likely to die during childbirth than white women.
“Subtle but Harmful” Treatment
Many women said their experiences did not involve overt racial slurs but rather more subtle forms of discrimination, including dismissive attitudes and lack of empathy.
One mother described the care environment as “very cold” and said staff appeared indifferent to her suffering after severe birth injuries. Others said the treatment left them traumatised and fearful of future pregnancies.
Health officials say a national independent investigation into maternity services is underway, with a focus on understanding inequalities and discrimination affecting women of colour.
Ongoing Calls for Reform
Authorities acknowledge maternity services face resource pressures but experts argue that disparities cannot be explained by staffing challenges alone, as outcomes are disproportionately worse for Black women.
Campaigners continue to call for systemic reforms, improved cultural competency training for healthcare workers, and stronger accountability measures to address inequities in maternal care.
