Lexi Webster
Maternal mortality refers to deaths due to complications from pregnancy or childbirth. The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) is defined as the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births during a given time period. In 2023, the global MMR was 197, a 40% decrease from 2000. However, there are significant disparities between regions, with sub-Saharan Africa having 454 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023, compared to only 3 in Australia and New Zealand, making it one of the lowest rates in the world. This paragraph will explore the maternal mortality rate in Australia and compare it to other countries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) | 6.4 deaths per 100,000 women giving birth during 2015-2017 |
| Comparison with other countries/regions | More than 10 times lower than the US; 3 times lower than sub-Saharan Africa |
| Common causes of maternal death | Suicide and cardiovascular disease |
| Racial disparities | The incidence of maternal death in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women was more than 3 times as high as that for non-Indigenous women |
| Age-related data | More than 1 in 3 maternal deaths occurred in women aged 35 or over |
| Global MMR (2000-2023) | Decreased from 328 to 197 deaths per 100,000 live births, a 40% reduction |
| Lifetime risk of maternal death in low-income countries (as of 2023) | 1 in 66 |
| Lifetime risk of maternal death in high-income countries (as of 2023) | 1 in approximately 8,000 |
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What You'll Learn
Maternal mortality ratio (MMR)
The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) is a measure of the number of maternal deaths during a given time period per 100,000 live births during the same time frame. It is a crucial indicator of the risk of maternal death relative to the number of live births, capturing the likelihood of death in a single pregnancy or live birth. The MMR includes deaths from any cause related to or exacerbated by pregnancy or its management during pregnancy, childbirth, or within 42 days of the termination of pregnancy.
According to UNICEF, the global MMR declined by 40% between 2000 and 2023, from 328 deaths to 197 deaths per 100,000 live births. However, progress has slowed since 2016, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goal of 70 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030 will require accelerated efforts.
In Australia, the maternal mortality rate is among the lowest in the world. In the period from 2015 to 2017, the MMR in Australia was 6.4 deaths per 100,000 women giving birth. This rate is significantly lower than that of the United States, which is more than ten times higher, and sub-Saharan Africa, which had 454 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023.
The leading causes of maternal death in Australia during the 2015-2017 period were suicide and cardiovascular disease. It is important to note that the incidence of maternal death among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women was more than three times higher compared to non-Indigenous women. Additionally, more than one-third of maternal deaths occurred in women aged 35 or older.
While Australia has made significant progress in reducing its MMR, continued efforts are necessary to address disparities and further lower the rate of maternal mortality.
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Causes of maternal death in Australia
Maternal mortality refers to deaths due to complications from pregnancy or childbirth. In 2023, there were 3 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in Australia and New Zealand, one of the lowest rates in the world. In contrast, the US has a maternal mortality rate more than ten times higher than Australia's, and sub-Saharan Africa had a rate of 454 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023, accounting for 70% of global maternal deaths.
In 2015–2017, the most common causes of maternal death in Australia were suicide and cardiovascular disease. The incidence of maternal death in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women was more than three times as high as that of non-Indigenous women. More than one-third of maternal deaths occurred in women aged 35 or over.
Maternal mortality is often caused by postpartum haemorrhage, pre-eclampsia and hypertensive disorders, pregnancy-related infections, and complications of unsafe abortion. Social, economic, and environmental factors also influence maternal mortality rates. These include social determinants of health, such as income and education; access to high-quality healthcare with competent providers, adequate equipment, and medication; gender norms that devalue women and limit their access to sexual and reproductive healthcare; and external factors like political instability and climate change.
Maternal mortality can be significantly reduced by ensuring births are attended by skilled health personnel such as doctors, nurses, or midwives. These professionals can provide life-saving drugs and interventions like antibiotics, blood transfusions, and caesarean sections to prevent complications and save lives.
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Maternal mortality rate in other countries
Australia has a very low maternal mortality rate, with just 3 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023. This is in stark contrast to other countries, where the maternal mortality rate is significantly higher.
In the United States, for example, the maternal mortality rate is more than 10 times higher than in Australia. The exact numbers are difficult to pinpoint, as the data is constantly changing, but the trend is clear: the rate of maternal mortality in the US is rising. This is partly due to the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision, which has restricted access to medically necessary abortions, leading to delays in pregnant women receiving vital care. Furthermore, racial disparities exist in the US maternal mortality rate, with Black women facing higher rates of mortality due to negligence and racism from medical providers.
In lower-income countries, maternal mortality rates tend to be much higher. In 2023, the lifetime risk of maternal death in low-income countries was 1 in 66, compared to approximately 1 in 8,000 in high-income countries. Regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, South America, and South and Southeast Asia have a much higher risk of maternal mortality. Specifically, sub-Saharan Africa had 454 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023, accounting for 70% of global maternal deaths. This is influenced by various factors, including income, access to quality healthcare, education, and environmental exposures.
However, it is important to note that some countries have made significant progress in reducing their maternal mortality rates. For instance, Finland has achieved a dramatic decline over more than a century, while India and Afghanistan have seen large declines in a shorter period. Overall, global maternal mortality has declined by 40% between 2000 and 2023, with the rate decreasing from 328 deaths to 197 deaths per 100,000 live births. Nevertheless, to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal of 70 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030, an accelerated annual rate of reduction of almost 15% is necessary.
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Global maternal mortality statistics
Maternal mortality refers to deaths due to complications from pregnancy or childbirth. The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) is defined as the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births during a given time period. According to UNICEF, the global MMR declined by 40% between 2000 and 2023, from 328 deaths to 197 deaths per 100,000 live births. However, progress has slowed since 2016, and the current rate of reduction will not be sufficient to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal of 70 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030.
There are significant inequalities in maternal survival rates between different regions and countries. In 2023, sub-Saharan Africa had the highest MMR with 454 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, compared to only 3 deaths per 100,000 live births in Australia and New Zealand. The lifetime risk of maternal death, which takes into account both the MMR and the total fertility rate, also varies greatly across countries and regions. In 2023, the lifetime risk of maternal death in low-income countries was 1 in 66, while in high-income countries, it was 1 in approximately 8,000. Among regions, sub-Saharan Africa had the highest lifetime risk with 1 in 55, which is approximately 250 times higher than in Western Europe with a risk of 1 in 14,000.
In Australia specifically, the maternal mortality rate has been among the lowest in the world. In the years 2015–2017, the maternal death rate in Australia was 6.4 deaths per 100,000 women giving birth. However, it is important to note that the incidence of maternal death in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women was more than three times as high as that of non-Indigenous women during this period.
In contrast, the United States has seen a dramatic increase in maternal mortality in recent years, with rates more than ten times higher than those of Australia. This trend is attributed to various factors, including racial disparities in healthcare, the impact of restrictive abortion laws, and a lack of access to timely and adequate medical care for pregnant women.
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Factors influencing maternal mortality
Maternal mortality refers to deaths due to complications from pregnancy or childbirth. The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) is the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births.
Between 2000 and 2023, the global MMR declined by 40%, from 328 deaths per 100,000 live births to 197. However, there are still large inequalities in maternal survival rates between different regions and countries. In 2023, sub-Saharan Africa had 454 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, while Australia and New Zealand had 3. This disparity highlights the impact of various social, economic, and environmental factors that influence maternal mortality rates.
Income and Resources
A country's income level has a significant impact on maternal mortality rates. In 2023, the MMR in low-income countries was 346 per 100,000 live births, compared to 10 per 100,000 in high-income countries. Lower-income countries often lack the necessary resources, infrastructure, and access to quality health services, increasing the risk of maternal death.
Access to Quality Healthcare
Access to skilled healthcare professionals before, during, and after childbirth is crucial. Countries with lower healthcare staff coverage typically have higher maternal mortality rates. Additionally, external factors such as political instability, conflicts, and health system fragility can hinder access to quality maternal healthcare services.
Social Determinants of Health
Factors such as income, education, and environmental exposures influence maternal mortality. For example, in the United States, maternal mortality is associated with the point of entry into prenatal care, likely influenced by insurance status. In Australia, Aboriginal women are about twice as likely as non-Aboriginal women to die from maternal complications, indicating healthcare inequities.
Gender Norms and Reproductive Rights
Gender norms that devalue women and limit their access to sexual and reproductive health care can increase the risk of maternal mortality. This includes access to safe abortion services and comprehensive postpartum support, including mandated paid maternity leave.
Pandemics and Health Crises
The COVID-19 pandemic impacted maternal mortality rates, with disruptions to health services hindering access to quality care and potentially leading to preventable deaths. Additionally, lower vaccine uptake among pregnant women, especially from marginalized communities, contributed to increased maternal deaths.
While Australia has a low MMR that has been decreasing over time, it is important to address these underlying factors to further reduce maternal mortality and improve maternal health and well-being.
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Frequently asked questions
The maternal mortality rate in Australia is low compared to other countries. In 2023, there were 3 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in Australia and New Zealand. In 2015-2017, the rate was 6.4 deaths per 100,000 women giving birth.
The maternal mortality rate in Australia is significantly lower than in the United States and sub-Saharan Africa. In 2023, the lifetime risk of maternal death in low-income countries was 1 in 66, compared to 1 in approximately 8,000 in high-income countries.
The most common causes of maternal death in Australia are suicide and cardiovascular disease. It is important to note that the incidence of maternal death in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women is more than three times higher than that of non-Indigenous women.
Yes, the global maternal mortality ratio (MMR) has declined over time. Between 2000 and 2023, the MMR decreased from 328 deaths to 197 deaths per 100,000 live births, according to UN estimates. This represents an average annual rate of reduction of 2.2%.
The Australasian Maternity Outcomes Surveillance System (AMOSS) aims to address rare, serious disorders of pregnancy and provide information to support research, policy, and clinical guidelines to improve maternal health outcomes.
