Research finds half of UK black women raising concerns during labour did not receive help

Five X More, an organisation dedicated to improving black maternal health outcomes, have published the findings of its study of the maternity experiences of more than 1,000 black and mixed-race people who were pregnant between July 2021 and March 2025. Maternity experiences of more than 1,000 pregnant people found black women up to four times more likely to die in childbirth.

The report also found that more than half (54%) of respondents experienced challenges with healthcare professionals, and that just under a quarter (23%) of black women did not receive pain relief when they requested it. And of these women, 40% said they were given no explanation as to why that was the case. In addition, 45% of respondents raised concerns during their labour and of these, under half (49%) said their concerns were not properly addressed.
Five X More heard from over 1,100 Black women about their pregnancy, birth and postnatal experiences and what they shared is deeply insightful. This report paints a very clear picture and the findings are clear. Fix it for Black women, fix it for all.

Fix it for Black women. Fix it for all

In 2022 we made history with the first ever Black Maternity Experiences Survey. Now in 2025, we’re building on that legacy with even more data, more real life stories, and stronger calls to action.

This latest report captures the lived experiences of Black women across the UK who have been pregnant or given birth in the last four years. It explores the quality of care, communication with professionals, discrimination, and what still needs to change. The findings are clear. Black women are still facing barriers, and the system must do better.

Key Findings at a Glance:

• 60% of Black women rated their antenatal care as good or high quality.
• 54% experienced challenges with healthcare professionals.
• 28% of Black women reported discrimination and, of these, 25% said that this was due to issues around race.
• 45% raised concerns during labour or birth; of these, 49% felt their concerns were not properly addressed.
• 23% of Black women did not receive the pain relief they requested, and 40% of these women were given no explanation.
• Only 39% received advice on nutrition, and just 27% were spoken to about exercise at their booking appointment.
• Just 1 in 5 women (20%) had been informed on how to make a complaint, and only 8% pursued a formal process.

Why this report matters:

We’re often told that Black women don’t take part in surveys. Over 1,100 responses prove otherwise. This research puts data into the hands of policymakers, birth workers, and communities because we can’t fix what we don’t understand.

We’ve already seen our work spark debates in Parliament, influence health strategy, and shift national media coverage. With your help, this report can go even further.

The UK’s largest ever report into Black women’s maternity care is now live. Click here to download a copy of the report.

Enfield Black Community Health Forum Meeting Wednesday 23 July at 6.30pm

If you live in north or east London, then you are invited to Enfield Black Community Health Forum (EBCHF) first in-person meeting taking place this Wednesday, 23rd July 2025, from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM, at Green Towers Community Centre, Edmonton.

This will be an opportunity to connect face-to-face, strengthen our shared mission, and continue our work towards addressing health inequalities impacting the Black community in Enfield.

The evening will include two insightful presentations from medical professionals on current health priorities, a chance to network and collaborate with passionate advocates, leaders, and service providers and culturally appropriate refreshments.

More for details, check ECA’s calendar. To confirm your attendance send an email to stephanie@cahn.org.uk.

Your voice, input, and presence are valuable to shape a more equitable health future for our community.