Our Statement on Launch of National Maternity Investigation

At Pregnancy Associated Osteoporosis UK (PAO UK), we welcome this clear and unequivocal recognition of the need to prioritise maternity care. We also support the rapid national investigation into maternity and neonatal services announced on 23rd June 2025, as long as the ambitious five-month timeline for initial findings will be met.

However, we urge government leaders not to let this review become another holding measure. Families have already endured years of delays, underfunding and avoidable harm. Previous reports, including the UK Birth Trauma Inquiry and the CQC’s October 2023 findings, have made it clear that systemic failures are already well known. Over 65 per cent of maternity units in England were rated as inadequate or requiring improvement for safety.

For people affected by conditions such as pregnancy associated osteoporosis, the impact of poor care is not theoretical. We hear regularly from women who were not believed, misdiagnosed or left unsupported after life-changing injuries before, during or after birth. Many have faced years of pain, mental distress and financial insecurity due to inadequate postnatal care.

Our Co-Chair, and PAO patient, Karen Whitehead MBE said: "Over 30 years ago I pleaded with more than six healthcare professionals that something was wrong. It took breaking my back and dropping my baby to finally get investigated and diagnosed. It breaks my heart that women face the very same challenges now: a struggling maternity system and lack of patient-focused care."

The root causes of this harm, including understaffing, poor communication and fragmented services, are not new. What is needed now is urgent investment in midwifery and obstetric services, perinatal physiotherapy, maternal mental health support and better training in rare but serious pregnancy-related conditions. We hope this marks a genuine turning point.

Pregnancy is not risk-free. Women and families deserve a maternity system that recognises that truth, listens to their voices and provides care that is safe, joined up and compassionate.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Pregnancy Associated Osteoporosis UK is a newly formed charity dedicated to raising awareness, supporting families and improving outcomes for those affected by this rare but serious condition.

As part of our launch we are proud to be at the Bone Research Society annual meeting in Edinburgh this week, where our Co-Chair, Professor Stuart Ralston, will be receiving an award for his outstanding contribution to bone health research.