The Equality Act 2010 has nine protected characteristics and aims to protect people from direct and indirect discrimination, harassment, and victimization. Race, sex and pregnancy and maternity are included in those protected characteristics. Despite the Equality Act 2010 being in place over 15 years, the maternal death rate among black women is much higher than of white women (MBRACE-UK, 2026) and Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) staff still experience bias and discrimination (NHS England, 2025). In response to these persistent inequalities, the NMC (2026) has developed anti-racism principles to support anti-racism in midwifery and nursing education and practice.
This article will explore the race inequalities that still persist for patients and staff, discuss the principles and expectations as set out by the NMC and apply to practice for primary care and practice nurses.