Written question asked by Lee Dillon (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 16 October 2026. It was answered by Alison McGovern (Labour) on Thursday, 22 October 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Maternity Services

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, in the context of the recommendations of the Independent National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation published in June 2026, what progress the National Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce has made towards developing a national action plan, including measures to address racial inequalities in maternal outcomes.

Answer: The National Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce is currently considering a wide range of evidence and proposals to inform its development of the Maternity and Neonatal Action Plan, and in her response to the debate on Baby Loss Awareness Week on 12 October, my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, who is chairing the taskforce, made clear that inequalities in maternal mortality related to ethnicity would be a key focus for its work, and that the action plan will be published before the end of the year.

Secondary information