Sophie Raworth, Maternity deaths, Sarah Finch, Stalking

This episode of Woman's Hour covers several critical social issues with a focus on maternal health, stalking, and environmental activism. The programme opens with a discussion on the 20% rise in maternal deaths in England between 2022 and 2024, prompting NHS England to introduce new clinical standards aimed at reducing avoidable deaths through early blood clot assessments, mental health screenings, and improved epilepsy care during pregnancy. The conversation highlights systemic racism in maternity services, with Black and Asian women facing disproportionately higher mortality rates, and emphasizes the need for better listening to women’s concerns in clinical settings. The episode then shifts to BBC broadcaster Sophie Raworth, who shares her inspiring journey from a non-runner in her 30s to completing 20 marathons and 10 ultramarathons, including the Sahara Desert Marathon. Her memoir, Running On Air, reflects on how running has empowered her physically and mentally, especially in later life. The segment concludes with a powerful discussion on stalking and its deadly consequences, featuring the Susie Lamplew Trust’s report 'Fatal Fixation', which reveals that stalking is a major risk factor in 94% of femicides. Experts from the Metropolitan Police and the Trust stress the underreporting of stalking, the need for better police training, and the importance of early intervention. The episode closes with Sarah Finch, the first female recipient of the Goldman Environmental Prize for her legal battle against oil drilling in Surrey, whose landmark Supreme Court victory has set a precedent for climate accountability in fossil fuel licensing.