A major national review into NHS maternity and neonatal services has revealed deeply concerning failures affecting women and babies across England. The investigation, led by Baroness Valerie Amos, points to a system under severe pressure, with evidence of staff shortages, poor culture, and unacceptable discrimination.
Drawing on testimony from 400 families and 8,000 people, the review found that too many women are still not receiving safe or compassionate care. Families described not being listened to during pregnancy and labour, delays to planned procedures, and a lack of accountability when things went wrong. Some women reported feeling wrongly blamed following traumatic outcomes.
The findings on racism were particularly troubling. Black women told the inquiry their pain was sometimes not taken seriously, while Asian women reported being stereotyped as ‘princesses’ by staff. The review also highlighted failures to support families who did not speak English and reports of discriminatory attitudes toward younger parents and LGBT+ families. They included one family who weren’t provided with a translator who only found out their baby had died when they heard “baby dead, wife really poorly”.
The report also identified “striking shortcomings” in the culture and leadership of maternity services. Some staff said the intensity of public scrutiny had affected them so much that they felt compelled to hide their name badges or uniforms in public or even conceal their profession when speaking to people outside of work.
Serious capacity and infrastructure problems were also identified. In some cases, poor hospital conditions and lack of space meant women were forced to give birth in unsuitable environments, including corridors and rooms with doors open. Baroness Amos questioned how such conditions could still be considered acceptable in 2026.
NHS England has acknowledged that too many women are not receiving the standard of care they should and says steps are being taken to improve safety, including increasing midwife numbers. Formal recommendations from the review are expected in spring 2026.
For many families, these findings will be deeply worrying. Meaningful, system-wide reform will be essential to rebuild trust and ensure every mother and baby receives safe, respectful care. If you or a loved one has been affected by poor maternity care, at Medical Accident Group we are here to listen and advise on your options.
