Call to improve efforts to reduce number of stillbirths in the UK

Baby loss charities are calling on the Government to redouble efforts to meet their ambition to halve the rate of stillbirths and babies dying shortly after birth by 2025.

Figures for England published recently highlight that while the rate of stillbirths is reducing, there is still a long way to go to meet the Government’s ambition to reduce this by 50 per cent by 2025. The rate of babies dying shortly after birth has plateaued.

Jane Brewin, Chief Executive at Tommy’s commented: “The fall in the number of stillbirths in recent years is welcome but we need renewed momentum and new prevention strategies to bring rates down considerably further, if we are to stay on track to meet the government’s ambition to halve these deaths by 2025. The lack of progress with neonatal deaths in the last two years is particularly concerning. It is no good reducing stillbirths if more babies are instead dying soon after birth.”

Keith Reed, CEO of Tamba, said: “Although these figures do not break down specifically for multiples, the small fall in stillbirth of 0.02 per cent means it remains unclear as to whether the Government will meet its target of halving stillbirths by 50 per cent by 2025.

“The neonatal death rate has gone up very slightly, but this is a worrying trend and taken together the results show a mixed picture which creates uncertainty.

“Through our Maternity Unit Engagement Project we remain committed to improving maternity care, reducing neonatal admission and lowering stillbirths for families with twins, triplets or more.”

Source: https://www.tommys.org/

Staff Writer