The NHS in England is facing a critical crisis as rising numbers of younger midwives are quitting before age 35, driven by burnout and extreme workplace pressures. This trend threatens the quality and safety of maternity care for mothers and babies across the country.
Why Younger Midwives Are Leaving the NHS
Data from 2025-26 shows that 1,669 midwives aged 34 or under resigned from the NHS in England, accounting for 57% of all midwife resignations. Among them, 205 were under 25, 655 were aged 25–29, and 809 were aged 30–34. This marks a 59% increase from the 1,051 younger midwives who left in 2014-15.
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The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) describes this as a "staffing emergency", with three-quarters of midwives considering leaving the profession in the past year due to staffing shortages and patient safety fears.
Impact on Maternity Services
The loss of experienced younger midwives exacerbates understaffing in maternity units, leading to longer waits, higher stress for remaining staff, and potential risks to patient care. The complexity of childbirth and rising litigation fears add to the pressure.
Midwifery Student Dropout Rates
Nearly one in four midwifery students are dropping out before completing their three-year degree. In 2021, 3,565 students began a midwifery degree, but only 2,725 graduated in 2024—a 24% dropout rate. This further reduces the pipeline of new midwives entering the workforce.
| Year | Midwives Under 35 Quitting | % of Total Resignations |
|---|---|---|
| 2014-15 | 1,051 | 45% |
| 2025-26 | 1,669 | 57% |
Key Takeaways
- Burnout is the primary driver for younger midwives leaving the NHS.
- Staffing shortages directly threaten patient safety and care quality.
- Midwifery student dropout rates are alarmingly high at 24%.
- Urgent action is needed to improve working conditions and retain talent.
FAQ
Why are younger midwives quitting the NHS?
Younger midwives are quitting primarily due to burnout, high stress, low staffing levels, and concerns over patient safety. The demanding nature of maternity work and lack of support are key factors.
How many midwives under 35 left the NHS in 2025-26?
A total of 1,669 midwives aged 34 or under resigned from the NHS in England during 2025-26, representing 57% of all midwife resignations.
What is the midwifery student dropout rate?
Approximately 24% of midwifery students drop out before completing their three-year degree, according to data from 2021-2024.
What is the RCM doing about this crisis?
The Royal College of Midwives has declared a "staffing emergency" and is calling for better pay, improved working conditions, and increased investment in maternity services to retain staff.
The exodus of younger midwives is a clear signal that the NHS must prioritize mental health support, manageable workloads, and career development to stem the tide. Without immediate intervention, maternity care in England faces an uncertain future.
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