Reviews found that 108 of the 178 pregnancy, birth or postnatal deaths examined in the UK between 2022 and 2024 might have been prevented with better care. The findings mark the highest proportion of avoidable maternal deaths since records began in 2009, despite years of government promises to improve maternity safety.

There were 252 maternal deaths in total during the period, though not all were included in the in-depth review. The share judged potentially preventable rose to 61 per cent, from 52 per cent in 2019–21 and 41 per cent in 2013–15; the overall death rate reached 12.80 per 100,000 women giving birth, above the 2030 target of 5.32. Researchers and maternity staff cited failures to recognise and manage treatable conditions, alongside overstretched services and staff shortages.