Preterm birth
Hackney councillors are discussing national and local data showing Black women face higher risks of maternal death and infant mortality.
Hackney councillors were informed in November 2026 about national data indicating Black women are almost three times more likely to die during pregnancy or in the six weeks after giving birth. This information, from MBRRACE-UK, was presented by Professor Marian Knight. Local data from Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust also showed Black mothers were over-represented in stillbirths and neonatal deaths in 2025.
The discussion highlighted that nationally, Black babies are twice as likely to be stillborn. In 2025, 21% of stillbirths and 19% of neonatal deaths at Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust involved Black mothers. These figures were presented to Hackney councillors in November 2026, as part of ongoing discussions about health inequalities affecting mothers and infants.
Key facts
- Black women are almost three times more likely than white women to die during pregnancy or in the six weeks after giving birth, according to national data presented to Hackney councillors in November 2026. Source
- Nationally, Black babies are twice as likely to be stillborn. Source
- In 2025, 21% of stillbirths at Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust were to Black mothers. Source
- In 2025, 19% of neonatal deaths at Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust were to Black mothers. Source
- Data from MBRRACE-UK on maternal deaths was presented to Hackney councillors in November 2026 by Professor Marian Knight. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 13 November 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.