National maternity investigation seeks input from women and families

The independent National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation (NMNI) has today launched a public Call for Evidence, inviting women and families across England to share their experiences of maternity and neonatal care.

The investigation was first announced in June to look ‘urgently’ at the worst-performing services in the country, alongside the maternity system as a whole.

Baroness Amos, chair of the investigation, said hearing directly from those with lived experience is central to understanding how services can be improved and ensuring that future care is safe, compassionate and equitable.

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The Call for Evidence aims to capture the full range of experiences of maternity and neonatal services, including the voices of fathers, partners and non-birthing partners who have supported someone through pregnancy and birth. Responses will inform the development of national recommendations that will shape the future of maternity and neonatal services in England.

The process consists of two surveys: one for women and people who have been pregnant to share their experiences of maternity and neonatal care, and another for people who have supported someone through pregnancy.

Baroness Amos said: ‘In my December Reflections report I said that nothing had prepared me for the scale of unacceptable care that women and families have received and continue to receive, the tragic consequences for their babies, and the impact on their mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.

‘I am grateful to all the families who have engaged with me so far, recognising just how difficult it can be for those who have been bereaved or harmed to relive those traumatic experiences.’

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In the reflections Baroness Amos said that problems with services are ‘much worse’ than she anticipated.

Speaking this week, she encouraged women from a range of backgrounds to share their experiences, to better ensure the review understands the range of inequalities impacting different groups in the healthcare system.

Health and social care secretary Wes Streeting said: ‘For most families in England, their lasting memories of childbirth are of the compassion shown by NHS staff who provided brilliant care, and returning home with a safe healthy mum and baby. But for too many, this crucial time will stay with them for all the wrong reasons.

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‘Today, the independent National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation has opened its call for evidence, bringing us a step closer to unearthing the systemic failures that have caused preventable tragedies for too many families.’

The Call for Evidence is open to the public until 17 March 2026.