£5 to reach 50%: Together, let’s ‘Think Ectopic’ and save lives
The devastating impact of ectopic pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy might not be a popular conversation topic for many… but it’s a critical subject that demands our attention. Affecting around 1 in every 80 pregnancies, ectopic pregnancy is a leading cause of maternal death in early pregnancy – a fact highlighted in the MBRRACE-UK 2024 Report Saving Lives, Improving Mothers’ Care. And sadly, report findings have shown an alarming upward trend:
- Ectopic pregnancy deaths have increased – from 5 reported in 2019, to 8 in the 2022 report, and now 12 in the latest 2024 report.
- All 12 women who died from an ectopic pregnancy in the latest report could have had better care. Improvements to care may have made a difference to the outcome for nine women (75%).
- The report highlighted the need for women and clinicians to be aware of the symptoms of ectopic pregnancy and to “Think Ectopic”.
Each number in the report is a life lost – a woman that might have been saved with increased awareness and quicker intervention.
The EPT’s mission to raise awareness to prevent deaths and harm
The EPT’s Think Ectopic campaign aligns with the MBRRACE report’s message. The Think Ectopic campaign is endorsed by The Royal College of General Practitioners and supported by the College of Paramedics.
Deaths due to ectopic pregnancy are avoidable and we are striving to stop women losing their lives, with their families being left shattered. The rise in deaths and near-misses is unacceptable. To tackle the concern, in Spring 2024, The EPT launched the ‘Think Ectopic’ campaign to save lives and reduce harm. The campaign reminds healthcare professionals about the signs of ectopic pregnancy and time critical next steps – so that women get the care that they need fast.
Our contacts at Early Pregnancy Units (EPUs) across the UK have been sharing this important message by becoming Think Ectopic Champions. 44% of EPUs have joined so far – which is encouraging, but we still have some way to go. We need your help to take the Think Ectopic campaign further.
Dr Michael Mulholland, Honorary Secretary of the Royal College of General Practitioners, said:
“This is an important campaign for all healthcare professionals to remind about ectopic pregnancy.”
We cannot do this without you
By donating £5, you can help us to boost the Think Ectopic campaign. We want over 50% of EPUs signed up as Think Ectopic Champions by the first anniversary of the campaign’s launch, which is fast approaching.
£5, or whatever you are able to give, could truly be life-saving.
This isn’t merely about numbers – it’s about women receiving care quickly so that no woman dies and harm is avoided.
We must work closely with healthcare professionals and support them with patient safety tools through the Think Ectopic campaign. Together, we can save lives.
[The paramedics] thought [the patient had] a UTI or pulmonary embolism - as soon as they did a pregnancy test within minutes she was in the right place and within an hour, she was in theatre. It's almost as if and up until that pregnancy test, they were thinking all sorts and then the moment they knew she was pregnant, they went straight to an ectopic. The ambulance crew said that was on the back of the biocard.- Feedback from pilot site lead
Your £5 donation will make a difference
Campaigns as large as this require essential funding – from supporting our dedicated behind-the-scenes team that designs and collates crucial resources to the free educational talks we provide to healthcare professionals. As a charity that receives no government or NHS funding, we rely entirely on your generosity to help us achieve our mission.
For the cost of your daily coffee, your £5 donation is the spark to help us exceed that crucial 50% goal. By donating £5, you’re not just supporting a campaign; you’re playing a vital role in saving lives, reminding healthcare professionals recognise the symptoms of ectopic pregnancy and to act fast.
Your contribution will make a lasting impact. No one should lose their life to an ectopic pregnancy. And we want to make this a reality – will you join us? Together, we can turn the tide on ectopic pregnancy deaths.
Make a lasting impact by becoming a regular donor with just £5 a month – your monthly contribution will help to secure the future of this campaign, so we can keep spreading the word.
Other ways to support The EPT
Fundraising is a fantastic way to make a difference and there are plenty of events to choose from – whether it’s a challenge event, a bake sale, or something completely unique to you! Our fundraising team is ready to welcome you on board and support you every step of the way.
Our annual Tulip Trundle is taking place from 20 March – 21 April. Brand new for 2025, you can choose your distance, either 5k or 10k. Your donation will help support the charity and you can choose to fundraise as well to make your amazing efforts go even further!
Your business can also be a great support – take a look here for some ideas on how to support our Think Ectopic campaign.
Knowing about ectopic pregnancy is essential for all and your workplace can help raise awareness as well. Contact us to arrange a talk for your team and a donation to support our work would be wonderful too!
We didn’t know how to support someone that had not only lost a pregnancy but was also struggling with nearly losing their wife, The EPT gave us an invaluable insight to how they might be feeling.- Transport Manager
Thank You for Your Support
We are incredibly grateful for every donation, every share, and every voice that helps spread the Think Ectopic message. Your support brings us closer to ensuring that no life is lost to ectopic pregnancy.
You can continue to help support this life-saving campaign by sharing this page or posting to your social media – awareness saves lives.
Tag us on: Facebook (The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust), Instagram (@ectopicpregnancy), TikTok (@ectopicpregnancy), X (@TheEPT), and Bluesky (@ectopicpregnancy.bsky.social)
Use #ThinkEctopic to help us reach more people.
You are welcome to download and use our ‘donation’ graphics below
