Recent study done by Sands, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity revealed that stillbirth rate has not dropped over the last ten years still 2,500 babies are either born dead or die shortly after birth each year. Researchers believed that these deaths could be avoided with the help of more midwives, increased funding of antenatal and maternity care and research into the causes of such deaths.

Report from Sands said that the death toll is four times as high as deaths from the MRSA superbug and double the number of adults who die on the roads every year. Ten times more babies are stillborn than die of cot death.

Neal Long, Chief Executive of Sands: "For too long these deaths have been ignored and yet here is compelling evidence to suggest that many babies' lives could be saved with better antenatal care, increased funding for maternity services, more midwives and increased funding for research. We want to see action now to save babies' lives."

The report said that the impact of stillbirth on families is huge. Study of 270 bereaved parents revealed that 81% suffered depression and lost confidence, while a third said the loss impacted on their relationship.