UK stillbirth rates among highest of rich nations

Stillbirth rates in the UK are higher than in almost every other high-income country, a series of reports suggest.

The UK had about 4,100 stillbirths in 2009 and, with a rate of 3.5 per 1,000 births, was ranked 33rd in a list of 193 countries - down from 26th in 1995.

Only France and Austria ranked lower among high-income nations.

The research, in The Lancet, also points to wide regional variations - stillbirths were a third more likely in the East Midlands than the South West.

According to the Lancet's figures, the 4,100 stillbirths in the UK in 2009 equates to about 11 children still born every day.

Although stillbirth rates are actually declining - by about 17.4% between 1995 and 2009 - other countries have moved faster, the report concludes.