Black Maternal Health Week: Confronting Disparities, Driving Progress
Black Maternal Health Week (April 11th–17th) takes centre stage as a powerful campaign to raise awareness, champion for equity, and celebrate the voices and leadership of Black women. The Black Mamas Matter Alliance, the organisation behind Black Maternal Health Week, works to advance black maternal health by leading efforts in policy advocacy, conducting research, and fostering strong communities. This week is not only a movement, but a vital reminder of compounding racial inequalities that persist, especially in maternity care. For London, where Black women make up a larger proportion of the population compared to other parts of the UK[1], the relevance of this week is particularly pronounced.
The UK maintains one of the lowest maternal mortality rates globally, yet stark disparities remain. Black women are still three times more likely to die during pregnancy (or up to six weeks after birth) compared to their white counterparts[2]. In previous years, this figure was even higher, prompting the launch of campaigns like FIVEXMORE, which placed Black women’s experiences at the heart of the maternity care conversation. In London, inequalities are heightened and intersect with disparities among boroughs, as its diverse population and unique health challenges spotlight the need for urgent action.
What Drives These Inequalities?
Disparities in maternal health outcomes are driven by an intricate web of factors. Clinical issues such as pre-existing medical conditions and lifestyle behaviours intersect with social determinants like access to care and socioeconomic status. Structural racism, cultural biases, and interpersonal discrimination remain deeply embedded in the healthcare system, affecting everything from communication to treatment decisions[3]. Harmful assumptions, poor communication, and lack of empathy often leave Black women feeling silenced and unsupported, resulting in distress and long-term consequences.
Recent studies highlight that while self-advocacy among Black mothers is rising, it is emotionally draining and often insufficient to overcome systemic barriers[4]. The failure to confront deep-rooted inequities carries profound human and systemic costs, including increased financial strain on health services, diminished workforce resilience, and erosion of public trust. These issues are especially acute in London, where access and quality of care can vary widely across boroughs and communities.
The London Sexual Health Programme: Championing Change
The London Sexual Health Programme (LSHP) is committed to supporting Black maternal health through a range of initiatives. In using an EEDI framework as the golden thread between our operations, and grounding thought and leadership in lived experience and local partners, LSHP works to ensure that all women receive safe, personalised, and equitable care. This includes advocating for better resources, providing culturally competent training for healthcare professionals, and amplifying Black women’s voices in shaping service delivery. LSHP also prioritises improved access to sexual and reproductive health services across London, empowering women to make informed choices and receive the support they need throughout pregnancy and beyond.
Addressing these disparities requires collective action from individuals, communities, and organisations. Systemic change happens through continuing to drive awareness, challenge racism and bias, and advocate for improved resources and support. Black Maternal Health Week is a call to action for us all, healthcare providers, policymakers, and Londoners alike, to confront inequalities, stop preventable deaths, and ensure that Black women receive the care and respect they deserve.
[1] Office for National Statistics (ONS) (2022), ONS website, statistical bulletin, Ethnic group, England and Wales: Census 2021
[2] MBRRACE-UK. (2024) Maternal mortality 2020-2022. https://tinyurl.com/yx2kwnfn
[3] Adesina, M., Macdonald, M., McKelvin, G., and Abayomi, J. (2025) ‘Maternal health inequalities: focusing on Black pregnant women’, British Journal of Midwifery, April 2025, Vol 33, No 4. https://doi.org/10.12968/bjom.2024.0096
[4] Peter, M., Wheeler, R., Abe, C., Awe, A. (2025) ‘The FivexMore Black Maternity Experiences Survey: Continuing the Conversation on Black Maternal Care in the UK’. FivexMore. BlackMaternityExperiencesReport2025.pdf