This is the fourth Saving Babies’ Lives Report published by the Joint Policy Unit. The 2026 report is aimed at the National Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce in England and sets out five principles that a reformed maternity and neonatal system must adhere to: safe, equitable, family-centred, accountable and evidence-driven.  

For each principle, the JPU has highlighted key questions for the Taskforce to consider, which will also inform their upcoming work.

Health is a devolved matter, with policies, funding and the healthcare system overseen by devolved governments in each of the four nations. Because of the unique policy opportunity, the main report focusses on England but is accompanied by briefings on Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland, exploring the latest data.