The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) supports Action Medical Research’s campaign “STAND UP for Tiny Lives” and welcomes the document The Tiny Lives Charter, a cross-party call to tackle premature birth.

Premature birth impacts upon thousands of babies and their families in the UK every year and is most common cause of death for infants aged under one. In addition, many babies that survive the complexities of premature delivery may develop life long complications that have a profound influence on their quality of life, such as chronic neurological disability. Although there are some known risk factors such as previous premature birth, multiple pregnancies, cervical/uterine abnormalities and smoking during pregnancy, it is a very poorly understood condition that remains extremely difficult to predict and manage.

The RCOG supports the campaign’s call for an independent Premature Birth Inquiry and the establishment of a robust ten-year National Research Strategy into the condition. Adequately funded, collaborative, inter-disciplinary research is required to improve understanding of the causes of premature birth and develop effective preventive treatments. Greater coordination between the four governments for funding multi centre trials is essential.

The RCOG would support a national strategy with increased investments for neonatal intensive care to help address issues of inter-unit and cross country transfers, with anticipated improved clinical outcomes. Such a policy might also ease pressure on families who currently have to travel large distances to be with their baby, often with separation from their other children.

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