MBRRACE-UK Report 2025

Earl of Courtown Excerpts

Thursday 23rd October 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

I would be very pleased to make that information available in writing. The noble Baroness makes an important point. Data is key to our advances, particularly where we are seeking to address inequalities on racial lines.

[The Earl of Courtown (Con)]

My Lords, the report makes clear that many women who died experienced multiple intersectional disadvantages—as was highlighted by the noble Baroness, Lady Berger, and the noble Lord, Lord Scriven—including poverty, mental health, domestic abuse and social exclusion. Does the Minister accept that tackling maternal mortality requires an intersectional approach that brings together health, mental health and social care services, rather than treating them in isolation?

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

I agree with the core of the noble Earl’s observation, which is why the maternity care bundle—to be published next month and actioned next year—is so crucial. It will pick up the point he is making about the five clinical areas for urgent action. They have been chosen because of their ability to improve outcomes and to reduce inequalities, as well as their feasibility of implementation within NHS services, which I know is a matter of great interest to your Lordships’ House.