Thank you for contacting me about miscarriages in the forthcoming Women’s Health Strategy.
This issue, unfortunately, affects many people and I offer my sympathy to those who have suffered miscarriages. In March 2021, the public were asked for their views on the first-ever government-led Women’s Health Strategy for England. The call for evidence was launched for two reasons: firstly, to improve the way in which the health and care system responds to women’s concerns and secondly, to improve women’s health outcomes all over England, regardless of where you live.
Nearly 100,000 responses from women across the country were submitted, informing the Government’s vision for a new healthcare system. Fertility, pregnancy, pregnancy loss and post-natal support were listed as one of the six priority areas and the second most selected topic that respondents picked for inclusion in the Women’s Health Strategy.
As part of its response, the Government indicated that it would consider how to strengthen healthcare support for women and their partners affected by pregnancy loss and consider the recommendations of the forthcoming Pregnancy Loss Review. The Government has also announced that the Women’s Health Strategy would include data on miscarriages, as well as the 24/7 availability of emergency miscarriage services.
The Strategy will be published in full later this year and the Government’s ambitions will be set out in more detail with full delivery plans.
I understand what an emotive issue this is and how important the need for support is. I offer my sympathy to all those affected by this.
Thank you for taking the time to contact me.