A shocking revelation has emerged from a recent NHS study, highlighting a devastating disparity in neonatal care. Babies born to black mothers face an 81% higher risk of death during their time in neonatal units compared to those born to white mothers. This eye-opening statistic is just the beginning of a complex and deeply concerning narrative.
The study, led by researchers at the University of Liverpool, analyzed data from over 700,000 babies admitted to NHS neonatal units across England and Wales between 2012 and 2022. The results paint a stark picture of inequality, with black infants consistently experiencing higher mortality rates throughout the study period.
But here's where it gets controversial: the highest mortality rate for black babies reached a staggering 29.7 deaths per 1,000, while the highest rate for white babies was 16.9 deaths per 1,000. This disparity is not isolated to ethnicity; babies born to mothers from the most deprived areas also face a significantly elevated risk of death, with a 63% higher chance compared to the least deprived.
Samira Saberian, the lead author and a PhD student at the University of Liverpool, emphasized that "socioeconomic and ethnic inequalities independently shape survival in neonatal units." She further explained that maternal and birth factors account for only over half of these inequalities, suggesting that there are deeper, systemic issues at play.
And this is the part most people miss: the study's findings indicate that to address these inequalities, we must tackle the root causes. As Saberian puts it, "we need integrated approaches that strengthen clinical care while also addressing the wider conditions affecting families."
The study, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), is the first of its kind to examine both socio-economic and ethnic inequalities in neonatal units. It reveals a disturbing trend: babies born to mothers from ethnic minority groups living in more deprived areas are at a greater risk of dying.
Previous reports have found that black babies are almost twice as likely to be stillborn compared to white babies, and a national investigation into NHS maternity services, set to conclude this year, will delve into racial disparities within maternity care.
The research also uncovered that babies born to Asian mothers face a 36% higher risk of death than their white counterparts, even after accounting for other contributing factors.
Rachel Drain, the quality and standards adviser at the Royal College of Midwives, described the findings as "deeply concerning" and called for "urgent, coordinated action" to address the root causes of these disparities. She emphasized the need for equitable and culturally safe care, stating that "every baby deserves the same chance of survival regardless of their ethnicity, background, or circumstances."
David Taylor-Robinson, professor of public health and policy at the University of Liverpool, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the pledge of the Labour government to create the healthiest generation of children. However, he noted, "our findings reveal, in stark detail, that even in 2025, too many children face significant challenges from birth – and for some, even before they are born."
He concluded by urging real action to address the wider factors shaping health outcomes, stating that "these are inequalities we cannot afford to ignore."
What are your thoughts on these findings? Do you think enough is being done to address these disparities in neonatal care? Feel free to share your opinions and insights in the comments below!
