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xStudy links UK austerity to rise in low birth weight and premature babies in Scotland
Date: 19th November 2024
Category:
Disability, Basic Health and Welfare
New research suggests that UK austerity policies have led to a noticeable increase in babies being born smaller or prematurely in Scotland, particularly in the most socioeconomically deprived areas. Experts believe that cuts to benefits and services are key factors driving these changes.
Dr. David Walsh from the University of Glasgow, who led the study, warned that babies born prematurely or underweight face higher risks of health problems throughout their lives. He urged the UK Government to protect those living in poverty, rather than place additional financial pressures on them. The study found that maternal stress, known to affect pregnancy outcomes, likely plays a role. Stressed mothers may produce higher levels of cortisol, a hormone that can affect foetal growth, or may be more likely to smoke or drink, which can also restrict growth. Similar links between austerity and poorer birth outcomes have been observed in other European countries, such as Portugal and Greece.
Researchers from the University of Glasgow and Public Health Scotland analysed nearly 2.3 million birth records in Scotland from 1981 to 2019 to reach their conclusions.
In response, a UK Government spokesperson said: “This research is further proof of the dire inheritance of this government and why we will not return to austerity. We want to raise the healthiest generation of children in our history, and we will work across government to tackle inequalities in health, with a focus on prevention.
“Our new cross-government taskforce is developing an ambitious child poverty strategy to ensure every child has the best start in life and we are also focusing on early years, with initiatives like free breakfast clubs in all primary schools.”
In its latest Concluding Observations, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child urged UK Government to scrap the two-child limit and benefit cap. To date, the UK Government has been resistant to making this change. Earlier this month, two mothers raised legal action against the UK Government over these policies.