Health Secretary Wes Streeting has launched a national investigation into NHS maternity services in response to multiple scandals involving baby deaths, aiming to uncover systemic issues and ensure accountability for affected families.

The inquiry will be conducted in two parts: one will focus on specific trusts, while the other will perform a comprehensive examination of maternity care across the system to identify actionable improvements.

This investigation follows alarming reports from the Care Quality Commission regarding two hospitals in Leeds, where an investigation revealed that at least 56 baby deaths could have been prevented between January 2019 and July 2024.

Data indicates significant disparities in maternal health outcomes, with black babies being twice as likely to be stillborn compared to white babies, and black women facing two to three times higher mortality rates during or shortly after pregnancy.

Streeting highlighted that black mothers often face discrimination in maternity care, with stereotypes leading to inadequate pain relief and a lack of proper support.

The Royal College of Midwives has expressed that maternity services are at breaking point, urging the government to address staffing and funding shortages to improve care quality.

Streeting noted that the costs of the investigation will be significantly lower than the financial burden of clinical negligence claims arising from maternity failures, which have reached £2.8 billion, with 41% related to maternity care.

He emphasized the need for inclusive engagement with underrepresented communities during the investigation to address systemic issues in maternity care.

The investigation aims to ensure accountability for failing services and support staff in delivering compassionate and safe care to families.

Ultimately, the investigation seeks to provide families with the truth they deserve and prevent future failures in maternity care.

Streeting expressed his shock at the language used by medical staff and stressed the urgent need for reform to combat racism and discrimination in maternity care.

Experts have emphasized the necessity of this investigation to address the ongoing issues faced in maternity care and improve outcomes for all mothers and babies.