In 2021, an Oxford University analysis of maternal deaths in the UK found that black women were almost four times as likely to die in pregnancy and childbirth as white women - Asian and mixed ethnicity women were twice as likely. The data is part of a report published by the Women and Equalities Committee, which concluded that the role of racism in maternal deaths may have been underestimated by the government and the NHS – and that the "appalling disparity" is still not "fully understood".

Today’s Mishal Husain spoke to Professor Marian Knight, who leads a team that investigates every maternal death in the UK. Mishal then talked to mother and co-founder of organisation ‘Five X More’ - Tinuke Awe – who works on improving maternal mortality rates and health outcomes for black women. Finally Mishal heard from Donna Ockenden, a senior midwife who has been conducting independent reviews, who argued for “better, inclusive care”.