Shockingly High Increase in Fetal and Neonatal Deaths in Lisbon and Vale do Tejo in 2023

Fetal and neonatal deaths have nearly doubled in the Lisbon and Vale do Tejo (LVT) region in 2023 compared to the previous year. The data reveals that 238 fetuses and babies under 28 days did not survive in 2023, a significant rise from 132 in 2022. This represents 0.66% and 0.38% of total births in the region for both years, highlighting a concerning trend amidst the backdrop of maternity unit closures. These figures were released in the latest monitoring report by the Health Regulatory Authority (ERS), which evaluated the activity of 58 maternity wards and neonatal services across public, private, and social sectors on the mainland.