New Pandemic Preparedness Strategy highlights vulnerability of maternity and neonatal services
26th March 2026
The UK Government has published a new Pandemic Preparedness Strategy, setting out how the country will strengthen its response to future health emergencies, backed by around £1 billion of investment in health protection measures.
Importantly, it recognises that women and partners experiencing miscarriage and pregnancy loss were not adequately supported during the COVID-19 pandemic. We welcome this acknowledgement, alongside a commitment to ensure that those affected are not deprioritised in future.
We were proud to give evidence to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry on behalf of our community, helping to ensure that the experiences of those affected by pregnancy loss were heard and reflected.
The strategy highlights the particular vulnerability of maternity and neonatal services during a pandemic and notes that these services were not always considered as carefully as they should have been. As a result, NHS England will review protocols in England to ensure maternity and neonatal services can respond and adapt in future emergencies.
Vicki Robinson, Miscarriage Association Chief Executive, said:
“We welcome the recognition that those experiencing pregnancy loss were not adequately supported during the pandemic, and the commitment to ensure they are not deprioritised in future.
“This is an important step forward, but it is vital that these commitments now translate into meaningful change in practice. We will continue to work with Government and the NHS to ensure that anyone affected by pregnancy loss receives the compassionate and consistent care they need, even in the most challenging circumstances.”
Our support services are available for anyone who needs them.