Section 1.2.4. of the guidance states: “Consider induction of labour from 39+0 weeks in women with otherwise uncomplicated singleton pregnancies who are at a higher risk of complications associated with continued pregnancy (for example, BMI 30 kg/m2 23 or above, age 35 years or above, with a black, Asian or minority ethnic family background, or after assisted conception.”
At Amma, over 90% of our clients are Black or Asian people within the asylum process. In addition to racism, they face multiple barriers to care including language and poverty. We already see disproportionately high rates of induction among the people we support. Much of our role is focused on advocating to ensure our clients do not experience unnecessary or unwanted medical interventions during pregnancy and birth.
If implemented, this guidance would undoubtedly lead to even higher rates of induction among our client group, who already feel disempowered to make decisions within a cruel and inhumane asylum process. For their sake—and the countless other birthing people this will affect—we call upon NICE to stop pathologising race and retract this proposed guidance.
Here are some of our concerns in relation to the proposed guidance.