New ONS Data: Stillbirth Rates in 2024

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has released the latest birth data for 2024, with updated figures on stillbirths in England and Wales.

The overall stillbirth rate has slightly declined from 4.0 to 3.9 per 1,000 births, a modest shift driven by slight improvements in England, where the rate fell to 3.8. In Wales, however, the stillbirth rate rose to 4.4, matching 2022 levels.

Ethnic Disparities Remain Stark

While stillbirth rates fell among some ethnic groups, including Indian, Bangladeshi, and Black Caribbean backgrounds, many ethnic groups still experience higher-than-average rates compared to the national figure.

Key changes include:

Black Caribbean: 9.0 → 4.3 per 1,000 (a significant drop)
Any other Black background: 4.6 → 7.1 (a sharp rise)
Mixed/multiple ethnic groups: 3.8 → 4.1
Pakistani: 5.5 → 5.3
White British: Remains at 3.2

It’s important to note that some of these groups represent a small percentage of total births, making them more susceptible to year-on-year fluctuations. However, the long-standing trend of higher stillbirth rates among most ethnic minorities continues and must not be ignored.

At MAMA Academy, we know that behind every number is a life not lived and a family forever changed. We urge our politicians, healthcare providers, and researchers to continue working towards equity in maternity outcomes and we will be there every step of the way, championing every baby whose life we live in memory of.

If you’ve suffered a stillbirth within the last 3 years which you believe may have been prevented, we’d love to hear from you as we’re collating parents voices for the National Maternity Inquiry.