BME pregnant women are at a higher risk of severe illness and death due to Covid19. A recent study showed that 55% of pregnant women currently in hospital because of severe disease are BME. Five pregnant women have now died. We only know the identity of three of those women - Mary, Fozia and Salina - all were BME. 

Pregnant Then Screwed conducted a survey with 2180 pregnant workers which showed that 8% of pregnant women are working in environments they consider unsafe. That figure increased to 12% for BME pregnant workers. In the NHS the issue is even more acute. 25% of pregnant workers continue to work in direct contact with patients who could have covid19. That figure rises to 31% for BME NHS pregnant workers. 

Until we understand why BME pregnant women are more likely to be severely unwell, and are more likely to die, we need to ensure they are shielded by moving them to the ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’ category. They must not be collateral damage during this pandemic.