Maternal mortality in the United Kingdom has risen by 20% over the past 16 years, despite the government's goal of cutting maternal, stillbirth and infant mortality rates in half by 2025, according to Bloomberg.

The report says the government's initiative has fallen well short of its targets, with current maternal mortality rates now 20% higher than they were in 2010.

According to the article, the worsening trend is linked to shortcomings in maternity care and the quality of medical services provided to pregnant women. It also notes that some parts of the country continue to promote a policy of pursuing natural childbirth whenever possible, a practice critics argue may increase risks for both mothers and babies.

The report highlights broader challenges facing the UK's healthcare system. Earlier, The Guardian, citing an analysis by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM), reported that more than 1,300 patients die every month in England after prolonged waits in emergency departments—around ten times the number recorded a decade ago.

In addition, the National Health Service (NHS) continues to struggle with severe staff shortages. Reports published in April indicated that the lack of physicians has forced nurses and physician associates to take on responsibilities typically performed by doctors, raising concerns about the quality of patient care.