Women from Black and Asian backgrounds in the UK receive epidurals less often than white women during childbirth, based on research covering over 2.7 million births. The results point to an ethnicity-related gap in pain management across healthcare. Published in Anaesthesia, the analysis reviewed ten years of maternity records through 2021 and identified ongoing differences in epidural rates for vaginal deliveries. Bangladeshi, Pakistani and Black Caribbean women were respectively 24 percent, 15 percent and 8 percent less likely to receive an epidural than white women. The work follows a review of UK maternity services that highlighted delays, ignored concerns and institutional problems tied to racism. Similar patterns appear in studies from the US and Australia. Labour MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy called the differences shocking yet expected, linking them to historical doubts about Black patients’ pain and stereotypes such as the strong Black woman. Co-author Dr Nuala Lucas noted that women with pregnancy complications or premature births often benefit most from epidurals, making unequal access especially concerning. The study also showed higher use of general anaesthesia for caesareans among Black Caribbean and Black African women. Researchers attribute the gaps to stereotyping, reduced trust and communication barriers. Oxford University findings indicated many Black and Asian mothers felt dismissed when requesting pain relief. Royal College of Midwives director Fiona Gibb stressed the need for better ethnicity data to track and correct such inequalities. NHS England officials said racism has no place in care and every woman must be heard on pain management decisions.
