Five X More CIC
Five X More is a grassroots organisation committed to improving Black maternal health in the UK. Since launching in 2019, they have worked to highlight and address the disparities in maternal outcomes for Black women and birthing people. At the time of their founding, Black women were five times more likely to die during pregnancy and childbirth compared to white women. Although this figure has reduced to 2.9 times, significant inequalities remain.
Five X More is driven by five core principles: Respect, Equality, Caring, Partnerships, and Innovation. These principles guide their work to ensure that Black women and birthing people are valued, heard, treated with dignity, and empowered with knowledge and support. Their approach includes advocating for Black maternal health as a priority within all maternity services, providing signposting to relevant support systems, and collaborating with healthcare professionals, policymakers, and organisations to drive systemic change.
They develop forward-thinking strategies and provide vital resources, including the “Five Steps for Self-Advocacy” guide, which equips individuals with the tools to navigate the maternity system confidently.
Through awareness campaigns, community support, and data-led advocacy, Five X More centres the voices and lived experiences of Black women. One of their key achievements includes leading a petition that gathered over 187,000 signatures and resulted in a parliamentary debate on Black maternal health in April 2021. They have also contributed to NHS guidelines and continue to engage with policymakers to push for tangible reforms.
Five X More’s long-term goal is to see the racial disparity in maternal health eradicated, ensuring that every Black woman receives equitable, high-quality, and safe maternity care.
“I want to pay tribute to the work of Five X More who continue to raise awareness and call for change and I hope this house will give members the opportunity to fully debate the issue of Black maternal health.”
