PURPOSE:
Cultural safety and anti-racist work in maternity care is ongoing. Work by birth professionals and activists such as FivexMore and Birthrights in the UK, and the White Ribbon Alliance globally have created life-saving discussions and real-world changes for families and staff. In this presentation we will introduce a new organisation and resource, Shifrah UK, co-founded by a group of UK Jewish birth workers, which was created in 2025, to inform on Jewish birth practices and raises awareness of Jewish Cultural safety.

DISCUSSION:
In this presentation, we will explore complex and diverse Jewish identities from around the world and cover some key Jewish cultural birth practices such as male circumcision, attitudes to breastfeeding, pregnancy and baby loss traditions in terms of death and mourning rituals, and festivals and fasting. We will introduce and sign-post to resources and links such as Shifrah UK and the Race and Health Observatory Report for more information and learning

EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
In 2024, the NHS Race and Health Observatory investigated health inequalities in Jewish communities for the first time. Their review looked at increased breast cancer rates and ower immunisation uptake amongst other health indicators, as well as the impact of communications on cultural competency and antisemitism, which can create barriers to care and deepen health inequalities for this minority community.

KEY MESSAGE:
This presentation by a midwife currently working in the NHS who is also one of the co-founders of Shifrah UK, Culture and Awareness Lead on the NHS Staff Network and Council member of the Jewish Medical Association (UK) will provide a vital introduction to help conference attendees consider how they can provide culturally safe care for Jewish women, birthing people and families. Marginalized - minorities