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Shocking allegations of racism, bullying and babies misclassified as stillborn uncovered in maternity care report

Barbara Davis February 27, 2026

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Maternity Care Report Exposes Racism, Bullying, and Misclassified Births

A recent interim assessment of maternity and neonatal care in England has revealed serious concerns about systemic issues, including racial discrimination, workplace harassment, and the misclassification of live births as stillbirths. The findings highlight widespread failures in the care system, affecting women, newborns, their families, and healthcare staff.

Systemic Failings in Care

The report, which interviewed hundreds of families and staff across 12 NHS trusts, uncovered alarming narratives of neglect. Many described environments where infrastructure is deteriorating, compassion is lacking, and decisions about infant deaths are influenced by institutional pressures.

“Maternity and neonatal services in England are failing too many women, babies, families, and staff,” said Baroness Amos, leading the national inquiry into care standards.

Familial Accounts of Misclassification

Some families claimed that their babies were incorrectly labeled as stillborn to avoid deeper scrutiny. The report notes that this practice may incentivize hospitals to classify deaths in ways that sidestep coroner investigations.

Jack and Sarah Hawkins, who lost their daughter Harriet to stillbirth, are not part of the Amos inquiry. However, they have pushed for an independent review in Nottingham, emphasizing their belief that the NHS has been untruthful about the incidents.

“We’ve heard from multiple individuals whose babies were born alive but were recorded as stillborn. It’s a devastating situation, and we trust the families more than the system,” Jack stated.

Unacceptable Care and Institutional Culture

Baroness Amos’ investigation has exposed a culture where racism and bullying are rampant. Staff described being subjected to stereotypes, such as Asian women being called “princesses” or Black women being told they have “tough skin” and “can endure pain.” One mother was even informed she was too overweight to give birth.

Workplace tensions are further compounded by a lack of transparency when complications arise. Parents often find themselves with the only recourse being legal action. In one hospital, staff reportedly included weather forecasts in shift handovers due to leaks during rainy days.

Call for Public Inquiry

“Families deserve accountability, and this report alone won’t deliver it,” Sarah Hawkins said. “There needs to be a statutory public inquiry to ensure justice.”

The National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation (NMNI) was established by Health Secretary Wes Streeting in June after meeting with families impacted by poor care. In her December findings, Baroness Amos expressed disbelief at the extent of unacceptable treatment, having spoken to over 400 relatives and 8,000 people, including NHS workers.

While the report underscores persistent problems, it also signals a growing awareness of these issues. For many, the revelations are not new, as multiple investigations have already exposed similar failings. The true test lies in the final report and its ability to enact meaningful change.