Maternal Mortality

Baroness Buscombe Excerpts

Tuesday 20th January 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

This is absolutely crucial. I welcome that, as of June last year, maternal mental health services are available in all parts of England. We also now have 153 operational mother and baby unit beds providing in-patient care to women experiencing severe mental health difficulties during and before pregnancy. In addition, mental health services are available for women who have pre-existing mental health needs, as well as for those who experience challenges because of their pregnancy or labour. The GP check-up six to eight weeks after birth is absolutely crucial.

[Baroness Buscombe (Con)]

My Lords, something is happening. In the last decade or so, I have been watching the extraordinary increase in the number of healthy young mothers having C-sections. Why is this phenomenon—if I might call it that, though that is probably the wrong word to use—happening? Is this something that is part of the inquiry? Are people trying to understand whether it is because those in the midwifery world are afraid that natural births lead to more deaths?

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

This may be something that my noble friend Lady Amos looks at. She is very much focused on maternity services, which will include mortality and looking at the range of options. The noble Baroness will understand that there is an important balance to be struck between the voice and choice of patients, which we respect, and safety, which must be paramount.