Understanding Maternal Mortality
Maternal Mortality in India: Maternal mortality refers to the death of a woman during pregnancy or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, irrespective of its duration or location. The cause must be related to the pregnancy or its management and exclude accidental or incidental reasons. Maternal mortality reflects the overall effectiveness of a healthcare system in providing timely and quality maternal care.
Static GK fact: India accounts for a significant portion of global maternal deaths, though the country has seen a consistent decline over the last decade.
Key Indicators
The primary measure of maternal mortality is the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR), expressed as deaths per 100,000 live births. A lower MMR indicates better maternal health services and access to skilled care. Monitoring MMR helps in identifying high-risk regions and directing resources efficiently.
Static GK Tip: The World Health Organization defines MMR as the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births.
SDG Targets and National Progress
The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 aims to reduce the global MMR to 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030. India’s current MMR stands at 93 per 100,000 live births, showing significant progress but still requiring targeted interventions. States like Kerala, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, Gujarat, and Karnataka have already achieved the SDG target.
Static GK fact: Kerala has historically maintained one of the lowest MMR rates in India due to robust primary healthcare systems and high female literacy.
Puducherry Achieves Zero Maternal Mortality
In a landmark achievement, Puducherry has become the first Union Territory in India to report zero maternal mortality. This success is attributed to strengthened antenatal care, improved institutional deliveries, and proactive maternal health programs. Early identification of high-risk pregnancies and effective emergency obstetric care played a crucial role.
Static GK Tip: Union Territories in India often demonstrate higher healthcare accessibility compared to many rural regions in states, aiding quicker achievement of health targets.
Challenges and Way Forward
Despite improvements, maternal mortality remains a challenge in regions with poor healthcare access, low female education, and limited infrastructure. Strengthening rural health services, expanding skilled birth attendance, and continuous monitoring of high-risk cases are essential. Digital health records and maternal death audits can further reduce preventable deaths.
Static GK fact: India contributes nearly 12% of global maternal deaths, emphasizing the need for focused interventions in high-burden states.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Maternal Mortality in India:
| Topic | Maternal Mortality in India |
| Definition | Death of a woman during pregnancy or within 42 days of termination, related to pregnancy |
| Key Indicator | Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) |
| SDG Target | MMR of 70 per 100,000 live births |
| India’s Current MMR | 93 per 100,000 live births |
| States Achieving SDG Target | Kerala, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Karnataka |
| First UT with Zero Maternal Deaths | Puducherry |
| Key Interventions | Antenatal care, institutional deliveries, emergency obstetric care |
| Challenges | Rural healthcare access, female education, infrastructure gaps |
| Global Contribution | India accounts for ~12% of global maternal deaths |
