Baby Loss Awareness Week debate: MPs call for action on maternity safety

MPs used the Baby Loss Awareness Week debate on 12th October 2026 to press for accountability, consistent bereavement support, and measurable improvements in maternity and neonatal safety. The debate came as the independent Ockenden review of maternity services in Leeds prepares to begin.

Andy MacNae MP opened the cross-party debate in the House of Commons. He said families and professionals already know what good care looks like, and that the priority now is delivery. The House of Commons Library briefing sets out the background to Baby Loss Awareness Week debate.

Fran Manley, Partner at CL Medilaw, said the voices and experiences of bereaved and harmed families must remain central to maternity and neonatal reform. After the reviews in Shrewsbury and Telford, Nottingham and now Leeds, she said, families need to see very clear action.

What MPs raised in the Baby Loss Awareness Week debate​

Members from across the House shared families’ experiences, and the same themes came up again and again. Families described concerns not being heard and care and support that varied from one hospital to the next. MPs pointed to workforce pressure and inequalities in outcomes. They also highlighted that recommendations from previous investigations have not been implemented quickly or consistently.

The debate recognised the commitment of maternity and neonatal staff. It also stressed that safe staffing, protected training and a culture where concerns can be raised are essential.

What the Government committed to

The debate produced a clear programme for reform. The Government committed to:

• a national maternity and neonatal action plan
• consistent standards of care
• an independent commissioner
• expanded access to Martha’s Rule
• stronger miscarriage, bereavement. and mental health support
• action on inequalities and workforce pressures
• action on the evidence around Group B Strep

What happens next?

MPs want to see safer staffing, earlier access to specialist help and continuity of care. They also want firm accountability for any recommendations that have already been made.

That accountability starts with the Government publishing named responsibilities and delivery dates, then reporting openly on outcomes. Where reviews produce urgent learning, as the Leeds review may, the Government must act on it without waiting for a final report.

Families need to see action delivered​

CL Medilaw Partner, and birth injury specialist, Fran Manley says: “Baby Loss Awareness Week creates space to remember babies whose lives were cut short. It is also a time to recognise the lifelong impact on parents, siblings and wider families.

In the last year, we have seen the publication of the Independent National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation by Baroness Amos. We have also seen the final report of the Ockenden review of maternity services at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.

The debate on 12 October reinforced that the next stage must be meaningful action. That means compassionate bereavement care, safer maternity and neonatal services, and transparent systems that learn when care has gone wrong.

There must be clear accountability within Government for implementing the recommendations already made. Progress should be measured by improvements in maternity safety and in families’ experience of care.

The commitments made now need clear ownership, published timescales and transparent reporting. That way, families can see whether action is being delivered.”

What the Leeds review must deliver

Donna Ockenden is due to begin her review of maternity and neonatal services at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. This is a crucial step towards establishing what happened and why. Its terms of reference set out the scope of that work.

Families should be at the centre of the review. They should be listened to with compassion and supported to take part.

A review of this scale must deliver more than a record of past failings. Where urgent learning emerges, it should be shared and acted on promptly rather than held back for the final report.

Fran added: “No number of reviews can undo the loss or harm families have experienced. A review can, however, provide answers, acknowledge what happened and help prevent others from enduring the same. Families deserve candour, accountability and safer care in practice.”

Support for families in Leeds​

Baby Loss Awareness Week is a reminder that no family should face loss or harm alone. These organisations can help, whether you are grieving the loss of a baby or caring for a child injured at birth.

• Sands Leeds: a volunteer-led group of bereaved parents, part of the national charity Sands. It offers support by phone and email and through regular meetings for anyone affected by pregnancy or baby loss. Sands’ national helpline is 0808 164 3332.
• Peeps HIE: a UK charity for families affected by hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE). It offers peer support, counselling, bereavement support and funding for equipment. CL Medilaw is a member of its Legal Panel.
• Little Hiccups: a Leeds-based, parent-led charity for families of children with disabilities or additional needs. It runs family events and lends equipment, and parents can meet others in a similar situation.
• Carers Leeds: information, guidance and support for unpaid adult and parent carers across the city.
• Women’s Whispers: a Leeds community organisation providing food and clothing to women facing crisis hardship.

Have you been affected by the Leeds review?

Your family may have received maternity or neonatal care at Leeds Teaching Hospitals and have concerns about what happened. If so, our specialist team can talk you through your options in confidence. We already act for families in Leeds, and you can read more about our birth injury claims in Leeds.

Arrange a callback today, or speak to a member of the team in confidence on 0345 241 0154.