Ending Preventable Maternal Death Must Remain at the Top of the Global Agenda, But Simply Surviving Pregnancy and Childbirth Can Never Be the Marker of Successful Maternal Health Care: It is Critical to Expand Efforts Reducing Maternal Injury and Disability to Promote Health and Well-being
Maternal health encompasses the well-being of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period, an area where, despite significant global progress, unacceptable mortality rates persist, with an estimated 287,000 women dying in 2020. The primary causes of these preventable deaths include excessive blood loss, infection, and high blood pressure, highlighting the urgent need for timely, skilled care in supportive environments. The goal has shifted from merely reducing mortality to ensuring every woman's experience is positive, recognizing that survival alone is insufficient. Addressing deeply rooted inequalities, particularly concerning sexual and reproductive health and rights, is fundamental to achieving the global targets set by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 3.1, which aims for a maternal mortality ratio of less than 70 deaths per 100,000 births by 2030. ****
The discussion should center on the ethical and logistical challenges of achieving universal high-quality maternity care, moving beyond mere survival metrics to incorporate a focus on reducing long-term maternal morbidity and promoting holistic well-being. Consider the disproportionate burden of maternal deaths in fragile and humanitarian settings, which accounts for over half of the global total, and the necessity of tailored, culturally competent interventions. Furthermore, the role of skilled birth attendants, facility-based births, and the integration of essential services like diabetes management into routine antenatal care are crucial factors influencing both maternal and neonatal outcomes. Analyzing the slow pace of progress—an average reduction of just under 3% per year—demands a critical examination of current global and national health policies and funding priorities to accelerate change