Racism and discrimination in maternity services

In spite of a legal and professional framework designed to stamp out racism, racism is still an ongoing challenge to the NHS. It can be in services not offered, services badly given or in services provided that are inappropriate for the client group. Midwives and their managers need to actively and openly tackle racism if they see racism or practices that discriminate, whether that is to the client group or within the workforce. Midwives need to be better educated in cultural practices and religion. It is important however to also examine personal attitudes and possible prejudices and tackle these. To stop racism a real ‘heart and minds’ campaign is required, not just lip service and a policing of words.