Global Maternal Mortality Crisis: Are Sustainable Development Goals Within Reach?
Table of Contents
- 1. Global Maternal Mortality Crisis: Are Sustainable Development Goals Within Reach?
- 2. The 2030 Goal: A Race Against Time
- 3. Global Hotspots: Where Are mothers Most at Risk?
- 4. Decoding the Causes: What’s Killing Mothers?
- 5. Regional Insights: A Closer Look at Latin America, the Caribbean, and the U.S.
- 6. Beyond the Numbers: A Deeper Dive into Systemic Issues
- 7. Addressing Counterarguments: Why Some Say Progress is Being Made
- 8. What policies or initiatives can be implemented to effectively address the systemic racism within healthcare that contributes to disparities in maternal mortality rates?
- 9. Global Maternal Mortality Crisis: An Interview with Dr. Evelyn Reed
new data reveals significant disparities in maternal health outcomes worldwide, threatening progress toward the UN’s 2030 target.
By Archyde News Staff | March 21, 2025
The 2030 Goal: A Race Against Time
A recent study published in The Lancet Global Health, building upon data collected between 2009 and 2020 and released by the World Health Association (WHO), paints a sobering picture of maternal mortality rates worldwide. This comprehensive analysis, a crucial update since the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted in 2015, indicates that the global community is still far from achieving the SDG target of reducing maternal deaths to fewer than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030. For context, the maternal mortality rate in the U.S. in 2021 was 32.9 deaths per 100,000 live births, according to the CDC. This highlights the urgency of the situation, even in developed nations.
Global Hotspots: Where Are mothers Most at Risk?
The study underscores stark geographical disparities. A staggering 95% of maternal deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries or in areas with weakened healthcare systems. This isn’t just a statistic; it represents real women facing life-threatening risks during childbirth simply as of where they live. Imagine a scenario in rural Mississippi, where access to specialized maternal care is limited; while the U.S.as a whole has better outcomes than these regions, pockets of vulnerability exist even within our own borders, mirroring the global inequalities highlighted in the study.
“Understanding why pregnant women and mothers are dying is critical to addressing the world’s persistent maternal mortality crisis and ensuring they have the best possible chance of surviving childbirth,”
Pascale Allotey, PhD, director of WHO’s Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research.
“This is also a major global equity issue. Women everywhere need high-quality, evidence-based healthcare before, during, and after childbirth, as well as efforts to prevent and manage underlying conditions that compromise their health,”
Pascale Allotey, PhD, director of WHO’s Department of Sexual and Reproductive health and Research.
Decoding the Causes: What’s Killing Mothers?
The WHO study meticulously classifies maternal deaths based on the International Classification of Diseases-Maternal Mortality. The primary causes include:
- Hemorrhage (excessive bleeding)
- Hypertensive disorders, such as preeclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure)
- Sepsis and pregnancy-related infections
- Embolism (blockage of a blood vessel)
- Complications from abortion, including spontaneous and induced abortions, as well as ectopic pregnancy
- Other direct causes, such as anesthetic complications
- Indirect causes, such as preexisting medical conditions exacerbated by pregnancy
These causes are often preventable with access to proper prenatal care, skilled birth attendants, and emergency obstetric services. The reality, however, is that many women, especially in underserved communities, lack access to these essential resources. Such as,the closure of rural hospitals across the U.S. directly impacts maternal healthcare access, increasing the risk of complications and mortality for women in those areas.
| Cause of maternal Death | Description | Potential Preventative Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Hemorrhage | Excessive bleeding after childbirth | Prompt administration of uterotonic drugs, skilled birth attendance, access to blood transfusions |
| Hypertensive Disorders | Conditions like preeclampsia and eclampsia | Regular prenatal monitoring, timely administration of magnesium sulfate, controlled delivery |
| Sepsis | Infection during or after childbirth | Strict hygiene protocols, prompt treatment of infections, access to antibiotics |
Regional Insights: A Closer Look at Latin America, the Caribbean, and the U.S.
Regional variations in the leading causes of maternal mortality highlight the need for tailored interventions. In Latin America and the Caribbean, hypertensive disorders are the leading cause (22%), followed by hemorrhage (17%). Interestingly, these proportions are significantly higher compared to wealthier regions like Australia, New Zealand, North America, and Europe, where hypertensive disorders account for 10% to 12% of maternal deaths. However, the U.S. maternal mortality rate, while lower than some regions in Latin America, is still comparatively high among developed nations, suggesting systemic issues within our healthcare system.
“Increases in the proportion of women delivering in healthcare facilities have not been sufficient to reduce deaths from hemorrhage or hypertensive disorders of pregnancy,”
the study highlighted.
“For hypertensive disorders,increases in the coverage of antenatal care potentially have not corresponded to adequate implementation of preventive strategies.”
“Often, it is not just one factor but several interconnected factors that contribute to a woman’s death during or after pregnancy — preeclampsia, such as, can significantly increase the risk of hemorrhage, and also other complications that may arise long after delivery,”
Jenny Cresswell, PhD, a WHO scientist and one of the study’s authors.
Beyond the Numbers: A Deeper Dive into Systemic Issues
while the WHO study provides valuable data, it’s crucial to look beyond the numbers and address the underlying systemic issues contributing to maternal mortality. these include:
- Lack of Access: Geographical barriers, socioeconomic disparities, and insurance coverage gaps limit access to prenatal care, skilled birth attendants, and emergency obstetric services, especially in rural and underserved areas.
- Systemic Racism: Studies consistently show that Black women in the U.S. experience significantly higher maternal mortality rates compared to white women, highlighting the impact of systemic racism and implicit bias within the healthcare system.
- Quality of Care: Even when women have access to healthcare,the quality of care may be inadequate. Factors like understaffing, lack of training, and inadequate resources can compromise the ability of healthcare providers to effectively manage pregnancy-related complications.
- data Gaps: The study itself acknowledges limitations in data availability, particularly regarding maternal suicide and deaths related to specific causes in certain regions. Improved data collection and analysis are essential for developing targeted interventions.
To address these challenges, a multi-pronged approach is needed. This includes expanding access to affordable healthcare, addressing systemic racism within the healthcare system, improving the quality of care through training and resource allocation, and strengthening data collection and analysis efforts. Investing in community-based programs and empowering women to advocate for their own health are also crucial steps.
Addressing Counterarguments: Why Some Say Progress is Being Made
While the overall picture is concerning, some argue that progress is being made in reducing maternal mortality globally. Indeed, there have been advancements in certain areas, such as increased access to healthcare facilities in some regions. Though, these gains are frequently enough uneven and insufficient to meet the enterprising SDG target. Furthermore, the data reveals that simply increasing access to facilities is not enough; the quality of care provided within those facilities is equally important.
Another counterargument is that maternal mortality is a complex issue with no easy solutions. While this is true, inaction is not an option. By focusing on evidence-based interventions, addressing systemic inequities, and investing in maternal health, we can make significant progress in reducing preventable maternal deaths.
What policies or initiatives can be implemented to effectively address the systemic racism within healthcare that contributes to disparities in maternal mortality rates?
Global Maternal Mortality Crisis: An Interview with Dr. Evelyn Reed
Archyde News examines the challenges and potential solutions to the rising global maternal mortality rates.
Archyde News: Welcome, Dr. Reed.Thank you for joining us today to discuss the alarming trends in global maternal mortality. The latest data paints a sobering picture, doesn’t it?
Dr. Reed: Thank you for having me. Yes,the recent reports are deeply concerning. We’re falling short of the Sustainable Development goals, especially the target of reducing maternal deaths to fewer than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030.
Archyde News: The data highlights important geographical disparities. What are the critical areas where mothers are most at risk?
dr. Reed: The majority of maternal deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries,particularly those with weakened healthcare systems.Within the U.S., we also see disparities, with certain regions, and especially with racial subgroups, experiencing considerably higher mortality rates despite advances in technology.
Archyde News: Can you elaborate on the leading causes of maternal death?
Dr. Reed: Hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, and sepsis are among the leading causes. Complications from abortion and indirect causes stemming from pre-existing medical conditions also contribute significantly. These are frequently enough preventable with access to proper prenatal care and skilled attendants.
Archyde News: Regional variations are also quite striking. What are you seeing in these areas?
Dr. Reed: in Latin America and the Caribbean, hypertensive disorders are worryingly high. The U.S., while having better overall outcomes compared to some regions, still struggles, especially within specific communities. This suggests systemic issues within our healthcare system and the social determinants of health, or a lack thereof.
Archyde News: Beyond statistics,what are the key underlying systemic issues,and what are the potential solutions Dr. Reed?
Dr. Reed: Lack of access to care remains a significant hurdle, along with systemic racism. The quality of care, even when available, is another critical factor. We also need better data collection. The solutions require a multi-pronged approach: expanding affordable healthcare access, addressing racial biases within healthcare, improving care quality through training and resource allocation, and strengthening data collection.Community-based programs and women’s empowerment are also vital.
Archyde News: Some argue that progress is being made. How do you respond to that counterargument?
Dr. Reed: While some advancements have been made, they are often uneven and insufficient. Increasing access is not enough; the quality of care is just as critically important. It’s a complex issue,but inaction is not an option. We must focus on evidence-based interventions, addressing systemic inequities, and continuing to invest in maternal health.
Archyde news: Dr. reed, given the scale of the problem, what is the one thing that you feel is of the most urgent need of attention?
Dr. Reed: I would say addressing the inequities in care,particularly regarding race in the US,and socio-economic status globally. Maternal mortality rates are, in many ways, a reflection of social injustice. this requires deep, systemic changes within the healthcare system and within society more generally. One action cannot be taken on its own, but these are the key factors needed for improvement. What do you all think are the most pressing steps to take at home?
Archyde News: Dr. Reed, thank you for sharing your insights. It’s a crucial conversation that needs continuing attention.
Dr. Reed: Thank you for your commitment to raising awareness.
