Let’s be real, in 2025, Black women still aren’t getting the maternal health care they deserve when bringing a new life into the world.

Across the pond, a powerful new report from the U.K. is turning heads, creating a much-needed uproar. The Black Maternity Experiences Survey by Five X More, named after the staggering statistic that Black women in the U.K. are nearly three times more likely to die during pregnancy than white women, is shedding raw light on the disparities that persist in maternity care.

Out of 1,100 Black women surveyed, 28% reported experiencing discrimination during their care, and nearly a quarter of them believed it was directly tied to their race. That’s not just a number, it’s a reality. 

The study also found that 54% of women faced challenges when dealing with healthcare professionals. That is more than half of the women surveyed.

Even more troubling? Nearly half of the women who voiced concerns during labor or birth said those concerns were not addressed, and nearly 25% didn’t receive the pain relief they requested, with no explanation at all in 40% of those cases. 

To be fair, there have been improvements since Five X More’s first report in 2022. The percentage of women who rated their labor care as “poor” or “very poor” dropped from 42% to 17%. And antenatal care ratings improved too, from 27% “poor” in 2022 to 12% in 2025. But as the report notes, progress doesn’t mean equality.

“Black maternal health is finally gaining national attention,” Tinuke Awe, co-founder of Five X More said in an interview. The inquiry will look into the “… devastating inequalities that women from Black, Asian and deprived backgrounds face.”

“Now is the time to spotlight the data behind the headlines. This report builds on our first landmark findings and pushes for real change backed by evidence,” Awe added.

So what does this mean for Black maternal health in the U.S.?

It means we need to continue to highlight Black maternal health as a priority and not ignore it. Because here in the States, Black women are still nearly three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, according to the CDC.

This report may be U.K.-based, but its reflections echo far beyond borders. If anything, it validates what many Black women in the U.S. already know, they are not being listened to enough. Black pregnant women are not being protected enough. And when Black mothers do speak up, sometimes, they are dismissed.

It’s not just about closing gaps. It’s about listening. It’s about care that’s equitable, respectful, and rooted in humanity, not bias. Because safe, dignified birth should not be a privilege. It should be the bare minimum.