Maternal Mortality

The lead article in today’s New York Times, titled “Maternal Deaths in Sharp Decline Across the Globe,” cites new statistics showing fewer women dying during pregnancy and childbirth. The results were significant, from 526,000 in 1980 to 343,000 in 2008.

Some of the reasons cited were higher income, improved nutrition and access to health care, and more skilled attendants. Apparently, improvements in large countries such as India and China also had a major impact.

The results were so good that advocates for maternal causes tried to delay the publication, fearing a drop in donations. In fact, maternal health organizations have repeatedly cited their problems as intractable in nature, a viewpoint this study directly contradicts.

The highest maternal death rates were in sub-Saharan Africa, but the rates among poor countries varied widely. In addition, in Africa, a large number of pregnant women died due to HIV, and this suggests access to expensive treatment can have a major side benefit of improving maternal health.

The article as a whole is very encouraging. It means the emphasis on women’s health is starting to have a major impact, despite the common portrayal. In fact, unlike other advocate groups, the World Health Organization was among those praising the report.

Still, the statistics were unanticipated good news for our often troubled world.