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Written question asked by Kerry McCarthy (Labour) on Friday, 28 August 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 2 September 2026. It was answered by Alison McGovern (Labour) on Monday, 7 September 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Maternity Services: Epilepsy

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps she is taking to improve maternity care for women with epilepsy.

Answer

On 6 January 2026, NHS England published the Maternal Care Bundle, setting out best practice standards to tackle the leading causes of maternal death including epilepsy, thrombosis, mental health, and haemorrhage.

The National Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce is developing an action plan, to be published by the end of this year, to improve maternity and neonatal care across the country. All women and babies have a right to safe, personalised, and equitable care, which takes account of their individual needs, conditions, and preferences.

The taskforce and its supporting expert reference groups have been set up to ensure a representative breadth of voices inform its approach. The taskforce is comprised of experts and key stakeholders including families, clinicians, academics, royal colleges, charities, and grass-root organisations, including representation from Epilepsy Action, as well as those who can speak to health equity and international expertise.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
19878
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Epilepsy Maternity services
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk