Institutional and interpersonal racism and sexism create ethnic and racial health inequity in maternity care. In the UK in 2022–24, Black women had a maternal mortality rate 2.7 times that of white women during pregnancy or up to six weeks afterwards. Women and girls facing racism, ableism, ageism, or discrimination related to gender identity or sexuality can encounter compounded barriers to information, consent, and being heard. Rights information cannot guarantee safe care or overcome systemic failures, but it can help people recognise when their rights are ignored, ask questions, make informed decisions, and raise concerns. Source: MBRRACE-UK, Saving Lives, Improving Mothers' Care State of the Nation Report 2026, pp. 2 and 9–10.

We will develop an easy to understand Maternity Rights Card for print and mobile use, covering consent, refusal, informed decision-making, and how to raise concerns across pregnancy, birth, and postnatal care. This will be a practical rights-to-action tool, connecting each right to what someone can ask, say, record, and do next. The core Card in English and Welsh is the priority. At full scope, funding could also support translated and intersectional versions, explainer content, and wider community distribution. Final delivery will depend on funds raised, gap analysis, legal and rights accuracy review, and genuine co-design.