UPDATE: Prime Minister Keir Starmer has officially pledged to overhaul the UK’s failing maternity services, responding to urgent calls from MP Michelle Welsh during a heated debate in the House of Commons. The commitment comes in the wake of alarming statistics revealing that 65% of maternity services in England are deemed unsafe for women.
This decisive move comes during Baby Loss Awareness Week, held from October 9 to 15, 2023, highlighting the emotional and devastating impact of baby loss across the nation. Welsh, the MP for Sherwood Forest and chairman of the Maternity All-Party Parliamentary Group, emphasized the need for immediate reform, stating that “grief must become the engine of change.”
In a powerful address, Welsh shared her personal experience of nearly losing her life during childbirth, emphasizing the dire need for improvements in maternity care. “Families deserve more than condolences,” she said. “We must demand an end to the preventable failures and systematic neglect that rob families of their futures.”
The call for action comes as a major review of maternity services at Nottingham University Hospitals, led by Donna Ockenden, continues, with findings expected in summer 2026. Welsh’s emotional speech resonated deeply, urging Parliament to prioritize safe births and continuity of care.
After the debate, Welsh expressed her determination, stating, “I will not rest until our maternity services are permanently fixed.” She emphasized the necessity for accountability and proper staffing, ensuring that every mother receives the care she deserves.
During Prime Minister’s Questions on October 22, Starmer affirmed the importance of addressing these issues, acknowledging the powerful testimonies shared during the debate. “We do need to fix what needs fixing,” he said, assuring that the government will prioritize high-quality care for every mother and child.
The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. With many parents suffering in silence, Welsh insists that it is essential to bring their experiences into the spotlight. “Every parent who shared their pain deserves action, not just sympathy,” she said.
As the government prepares to act, all eyes will be on the proposed reforms and their potential to reshape the landscape of maternity care in the UK. Families affected by these issues are hopeful for lasting change, emphasizing that no family should endure preventable heartbreak again.
The momentum for reform has never been stronger, and the commitment from Starmer’s government could signal a turning point in ensuring safer maternity services across the nation. Families, advocates, and lawmakers are now charged with the responsibility to ensure that this promise translates into tangible improvements in maternity care, making every birth a safe and informed experience.
Stay tuned for further updates as this critical issue develops.