The UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) has committed £50 million over five years to the NIHR Inequalities Challenge: Maternity Disparities Consortium, a national research program focused on closing gaps in maternal care outcomes. Led by the University of Birmingham and Newcastle University, the consortium unites higher education, NHS, community, and voluntary organizations.
The investment arrives at a moment when UK maternal health inequalities remain stark: Black women face a substantially higher risk of dying during or after pregnancy than white women, and women in the most deprived communities continue to experience poorer outcomes. The consortium’s research spans the full maternal journey – preconception and interpregnancy care, pregnancy and birth, postnatal recovery, and longer-term family support – with dedicated workstreams on racism and discrimination in maternity care.
“Too many women and families continue to experience avoidable disparities in maternity care and outcomes,” said Dr. Vicky Hodgetts Morton, associate professor in obstetrics at the University of Birmingham and consortium co-lead. “This Consortium brings together researchers, clinicians, women, families and communities from across the UK with a shared commitment to tackling these inequalities.”
The program will also invest in building research capacity, developing future leaders in maternal health research. Women, families, and community organizations will shape the research from the outset through peer researchers and community partners.
The launch aligns with the UK government’s renewed Women’s Health Strategy, which highlights the need to improve care before and between pregnancies for underserved communities. At £50 million, this is among the largest dedicated maternal health equity research investments globally.
