A new study from the World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the alarming global maternal mortality crisis, revealing that hemorrhage (severe heavy bleeding) and hypertensive disorders like preeclampsia remain the leading causes of maternal deaths. According to the latest figures from 2020, hemorrhage and preeclampsia accounted for roughly 80,000 and 50,000 deaths, respectively. These findings underscore the reality that many women worldwide still lack access to essential, life-saving treatments and care before, during, and after childbirth.
Published in The Lancet Global Health, this study is the WHO’s first global update on the causes of maternal deaths since the United Nations’ adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals in 2015. While it highlights the major obstetric causes of maternal mortality, it also sheds light on other underlying health conditions such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, anaemias, and diabetes. These conditions contribute to nearly a quarter (23%) of pregnancy-related deaths, often going undetected or untreated until complications arise, thereby increasing the risk to millions of women globally.
Dr. Pascale Allotey, Director of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research at WHO, emphasized the critical importance of understanding why pregnant women are dying. “This is a massive equity issue globally,” she stated. “Women everywhere need high-quality, evidence-based healthcare before, during, and after delivery, as well as efforts to prevent and treat other underlying conditions that jeopardize their health.”
In 2020, the total estimated number of maternal deaths was 287,000, or approximately one every two minutes. Hemorrhage was responsible for nearly a third (27%) of these deaths, while preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders contributed to an additional 16%. Preeclampsia, a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure, can lead to hemorrhages, strokes, organ failure, and seizures if untreated.
Other major causes of maternal deaths include sepsis and infections, pulmonary embolism, complications from abortions (including miscarriage and unsafe abortions), and anesthetic complications during childbirth. These findings emphasize the urgent need to strengthen maternity care services, particularly antenatal services that can detect risks early in pregnancy and prevent severe complications. Postnatal care is also crucial, as most maternal deaths occur during or shortly after childbirth. Yet, around one-third of women, particularly in low-income countries, still do not receive necessary postnatal checks in the first days after birth.
Dr. Jenny Cresswell, WHO Scientist and author of the study, pointed out that interrelated factors often contribute to maternal deaths. For example, preeclampsia can increase the likelihood of hemorrhage and other complications that may affect women long after childbirth. She advocates for a holistic approach to maternal health, noting that health systems must support women across different life stages to ensure the best outcomes for both mother and child.
The study relies on national data and peer-reviewed studies, although data remains limited in some areas. For instance, maternal suicide data is only available for 12 countries, and many countries do not report on “late maternal deaths,” which occur in the year following childbirth, even though many conditions can lead to risks extending beyond the immediate postpartum period.
WHO continues to work towards improving access to high-quality, respectful care throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal periods through evidence-based research and guidelines. As part of its global efforts, WHO launched a Roadmap for Postpartum Hemorrhage in 2024, addressing key priorities for tackling this leading cause of maternal death.
In the same year, the World Health Assembly’s 194 member countries passed a resolution to strengthen the quality of care before, during, and after childbirth. Looking ahead, World Health Day 2025 will focus on maternal and newborn health, calling for a major intensification of efforts to ensure access to high-quality care, especially in the poorest countries and crisis settings, where the majority of maternal deaths occur. The campaign will also highlight the need for broader attention to women’s health, including postnatal care and support.
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