The impact of ethnicity on maternal health outcomes

Data from the United Kingdom consistently show that women from Black and Asian ethnic groups face disproportionately higher risks of adverse maternal outcomes, such as maternal mortality and morbidity, compared to White women. The prevalence of maternal mental health, which affects around one in four women during pregnancy or shortly after, also varies by ethnicity. The factors contributing to ethnic disparities in outcomes are complex and multi-faceted, but evidence suggests that structural inequalities, rather than differences in health behaviours or pre-existing health conditions, are the primary drivers behind ethnic inequalities. Women from minority ethnic backgrounds report different experiences of maternity care, including instances of racism and discrimination, and mistrust or cultural expectations and stigma can affect how minority ethnic women interact with healthcare, particularly care related to mental health. Despite continued work from advocacy groups and heightened political attention towards inequalities in maternity care, disparities still exist. Intersectional approaches targeting maternity care and broader socioeconomic challenges are needed to ensure equity in maternal outcomes for all ethnic groups in the United Kingdom.