The Interpersonal Communication Gap in Pregnancy Outcomes

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Professor Shaquila Thangaratinam is chair of maternal and perinatal health at the University of Birmingham. She says race does contribute directly to poor pregnancy outcomes for black mothers. And these issues aren't just happening in the UK, she adds: "It doesn't matter if you're based in the US or European countries where studies are being done"

Experts and campaigners have been pointing out the racial disparities in maternal healthcare for years. The latest report to highlight the issue comes from the House of Commons women and equalities committee. MPs behind the report have condemned the government’s failure to address the gulf in outcomes. So why are black and Asian women still more at risk from childbirth? Madeleine Finlay hears what it can be like to navigate the maternity system as a woman of colour, and speaks to Guardian health editor Andrew Gregory and Prof Shakila Thangaratinam about what lies behind the statistics and what can be done. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod