Sunday 11 July 2021

Heed maternity care evidence

This letter below, with a large number of signatories, was published in the Guardian in response to an inflammatory, scaremongering 'opinion' piece in the Guardian on the 4 July 2021 

The headline to the article by Sonia Sodha, “No evidence and little research – it’s no wonder that women and babies continue to die”, could not be further from the truth. There is extensive high-quality evidence examining the problems Sodha describes, including on prevention of mother and baby deaths, prevention of harm and psychological trauma, the impact of inequalities and ethnic disparities. Research addresses the need for access to interventions when necessary and avoiding unnecessary interventions, and the provision of high-quality maternity care and continuity of carer. Studies examine women’s views and experiences of maternity care. The problem is not lack of evidence but the lack of consistent and adequately resourced implementation of all relevant evidence to ensure safe quality care for all.

It is crucial that we respond effectively and compassionately to the reports of the “terrible care” described not only by Sodha, but also in recent reviews and now in the House of Commons health and social care committee report on the safety of maternity services in England.


Journalists have a critical role in helping public understanding of why poor care occurs, and how it might be prevented. Knowledge of evidence would help us move beyond polarised debate and support the best possible outcomes and experience for all women, their babies, partners and families.