Released on: 25 April 2025
NCT, the UK’s leading charity for parents, is calling on Members of Parliament to attend and speak at the Westminster Hall debate on Black maternal health, taking place on Tuesday 29th April.
The debate coincides with Black Maternal Health Awareness Week UK, a vital moment to shine a spotlight on the shocking and persistent racial disparities in maternal health outcomes across the UK.
Black women are currently three times more likely to die during pregnancy, childbirth, or the postnatal period compared to white women. Asian women and those living in deprived areas also face significantly higher risks. Despite increasing awareness and advocacy, urgent action is still needed to tackle these inequalities.
The government has pledged in its manifesto to set a new target to close the maternal health gap for Black and Asian women and those from socio-economically deprived backgrounds. NCT believes this debate is a crucial opportunity for MPs to hold the government to that commitment and ensure this issue remains a political and public health priority.
Angela McConville, Chief Executive of NCT, said:
“The NHS is failing women and families, and lives could have been saved with safe, culturally competent and personalised care.
“The government has pledged to set explicit targets to reduce maternal mortality among Black and Asian women and improve maternity safety. Urgent action is needed to turn these promises into reality.
“We are urging MPs from all parties to attend and use their voices to call for urgent, sustained action to eliminate these health disparities.”
NCT stands in solidarity with the families affected by these inequalities and with the campaigners and professionals working to improve outcomes for all mothers and birthing people. The charity is committed to amplifying their voices and pushing for change in maternity care.
To empower the public to take action, NCT has created a template letter for individuals to send to their own MPs, urging them to attend and speak at this important debate. The template letter can be used, below.
Notes to editors
Black Maternal Health Awareness Week UK is an annual campaign led by Five X More to highlight Black maternal health. This year’s theme, Transforming Change, will be addressing some of the most overlooked but critical areas of maternal health.
Write to your MP
MPs are much more likely to take notice when they receive a personal letter, especially from a passionate constituent sharing why an issue truly matters to them.
If you're unsure where to start we’ve put together a helpful template you can use to craft your own message to your MP.
Letter Template
Subject: Westminster Hall Debate on Black Maternal Health – Tuesday 29th April, 2025
Dear [MP's Name],
I hope you are well. I’m writing as a constituent from [your constituency name] to urge you to attend and speak at the Westminster Hall debate on Black maternal health, taking place on Tuesday 29th April.
This debate is being held during Black Maternal Health Awareness Week UK, a crucial time dedicated to highlighting the urgent and persistent inequalities in maternal outcomes faced by Black women in the UK.
Black women are currently three times more likely to die during pregnancy, childbirth, or the postpartum period than white women. This unacceptable disparity reflects deep-rooted inequalities and systemic failings that must be addressed with urgency and commitment.
The government’s manifesto pledged to introduce a new target to close the maternal health gaps experienced by Black and Asian women and those living in deprived areas. This is a welcome step—but it will only be effective if MPs like yourself actively hold the government to account and ensure that this pledge becomes a priority in both policy and practice.
Your voice matters. By attending and speaking in this debate, you can:
Show solidarity with Black mothers and the families affected by these injustices.
Call for immediate, evidence-based action to tackle racial and socio-economic disparities in maternal care.
Press for sustained investment, data transparency, and accountability in maternity services.
We need your help to ensure this issue stays on the parliamentary agenda and to remind the government of its commitment to ending maternal health inequalities.
As a member of our constituency, I would be grateful if you could confirm your attendance.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Postcode]
