Addressing inequities in maternal health among women living in communities of social disadvantage and ethnic diversity

Fernandez Turienzo, Cristina; Newburn, Mary; Agyepong, Agnes; Buabeng, Rachael; Dignam, Amy; Abe, Clotilde; Bedward, Leah; Rayment-Jones, Hannah; Silverio, Sergio A.; Easter, Abigail; Carson, Lauren E.; Howard, Louise M.; Sandall, Jane

The response to the coronavirus outbreak and how the disease and its societal consequences pose risks to already vulnerable groups such those who are socioeconomically disadvantaged and ethnic minority groups. Researchers and community groups analysed how the COVID-19 crisis has exacerbated persisting vulnerabilities, socio-economic and structural disadvantage and discrimination faced by many communities of social disadvantage and ethnic diversity, and discussed future strategies on how best to engage and involve local groups in research to improve outcomes for childbearing women experiencing mental illness and those living in areas of social disadvantage and ethnic diversity. Discussions centred around: access, engagement and quality of care; racism, discrimination and trust; the need for engagement with community stakeholders; and the impact of wider social and economic inequalities. Addressing biomedical factors alone is not sufficient, and integrative and holistic long-term public health strategies that address societal and structural racism and overall disadvantage in society are urgently needed to improve health disparities and can only be implemented in partnership with local communities.