A scathing investigation into NHS maternity services has exposed alarming instances of racism, inadequate care, and unsafe conditions for expectant mothers across the UK. The interim report, led by Baroness Valerie Amos, reveals that systemic failures have left women and their families feeling neglected and mistreated during one of the most vulnerable times in their lives.
Systemic Failures and Racism Identified
The National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation (NMNI) reviewed testimonies from 400 families and gathered insights from 8,000 individuals, uncovering deeply troubling patterns of discrimination and neglect within maternity wards. Among the shocking findings, Asian women reported being stereotyped as “princesses,” while the pain of Black women was frequently dismissed, leading to feelings of frustration and isolation.
Baroness Amos highlighted that women were subjected to dehumanising conditions, with some forced to give birth in hospital corridors due to a lack of available rooms. In one case, women requiring assisted deliveries had to do so with the door wide open, exposing them to public view—a situation deemed “inconceivable” for 2026.
“The cycle must stop,” Baroness Amos asserted in her foreword to the report, emphasising the need for urgent reforms within the NHS maternity services.
Significant Shortcomings in Care
The inquiry did not shy away from detailing the distressing experiences of mothers and families. Many reported being disregarded during pregnancy and labour, facing delays in necessary medical procedures, and receiving inadequate bereavement support after tragic outcomes. One mother recounted being told she was “too fat to have children,” illustrating the pervasive judgement that many women face within the system.
The report also reflects a broader crisis in NHS maternity services, echoing previous inquiries into serious failures at various trusts, including Shrewsbury and Telford, East Kent, Nottingham University, and Morecambe Bay Hospitals. Baroness Amos noted that many families experienced a “postcode lottery” in the quality of care received, exacerbating the issue of equitable access to safe maternity services.
Calls for Immediate Action
In light of these troubling revelations, MPs and advocacy groups are urging swift reforms. Michelle Welsh MP, chair of an all-party parliamentary group on maternity services, underscored the urgent need for change, particularly for women from Black, Asian, and disadvantaged backgrounds who have faced significant disparities in care outcomes.
“If we are serious about rebuilding trust,” Welsh stated, “we must confront that reality head-on and deliver genuinely equitable care.” She emphasised that the report should not be filed away but must catalyse meaningful change within the system.
Baroness Amos is expected to publish her first set of recommendations in Spring 2026, with a final report to follow later in the year. In the meantime, the inquiry remains open for families to share their experiences until 17 March, highlighting the need for continued public engagement in this critical issue.
Why it Matters
The findings of the Amos inquiry reflect a pressing need for systemic reform within NHS maternity services. The reported instances of racism, neglect, and unsafe conditions not only compromise the health and wellbeing of mothers and their babies but also erode trust in a system that is meant to provide care and support during one of life’s most pivotal moments. Addressing these issues is crucial to ensuring that all women, regardless of their background, receive the dignified and compassionate care they deserve during pregnancy and childbirth. The revelations from this report serve as a clarion call for immediate action to rectify these longstanding injustices.
