National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation launches call for public to share experiences

Baroness Amos, Chair of the independent National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation, is today asking women and families to share their experiences of maternity and neonatal care in England, through a public Call for Evidence.

Listening to lived experience is central to the investigation, and the Call for Evidence will ensure that the voices of women and families, including fathers, partners and non-birthing partners, are heard. The investigation is seeking to understand the full range of experiences of maternity and neonatal care.

Responses to the Call for Evidence will be used to inform the development of the national recommendations which will shape the future of maternity and neonatal services in England. The Call for Evidence consists of two surveys: one for women and people who have been pregnant to share their experiences of maternity and neonatal services; and one 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.

“In this Call for Evidence, I would like to hear from women and families from across England about their experiences of maternity and neonatal services. The insights provided by women and families will assist me to identify solutions to the systemic challenges I described in December. I recognise that people may have different levels of comfort in sharing their experiences, and that some may choose to share only parts of that experience.

“I encourage women from a wide range of backgrounds to share their experiences, as this will allow me to better understand and address the inequalities which persist in the system. I also want to hear about where compassionate and safe care has been delivered to try and ensure that it can be delivered for all.

“My thanks, in advance, to everyone who takes the time to respond to the call for evidence including fathers, partners, family members and non-birthing partners who have supported someone using maternity or neonatal services.”

Vicki Robinson, Miscarriage Association Chief Executive, said:

“The National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation’s call for evidence is a vital opportunity to ensure that lived experience is central to improving care and safety across the NHS. Experiences of miscarriage and pregnancy loss must be fully reflected in this work, as our own research shows they reveal significant variation in care and ongoing gaps in support. We would encourage those affected to contribute their experiences, where they feel able, to help inform meaningful system change.”

The Call for Evidence is open to the public until 17th March 2026. Responses can be submitted here: matneoinv.org.uk/call-for-evidence

The Call for Evidence has been designed to allow everyone to have the chance to respond. It is available online, with easy-read versions, translation into seven languages, and a postal option for those who prefer not to respond online. Interpreter support and one-to one interviews are also available for people who would like additional help to respond.

Baroness Amos encourages all women and families to participate including women and families who have experienced unequal access and care. This includes, but is not limited to, women and families from Black, Asian and other ethnic minority backgrounds, women with disabilities, women who have mental health challenges, those living in deprived circumstances and marginalised groups.