Maternal mortality is a measure of how safely pregnancy and childbirth are managed, and it hits hardest where preventable risks are common. This page shows how deaths stem from direct causes like severe bleeding, hypertensive disorders, and infection, alongside indirect deaths linked to conditions such as HIV and malaria. Explore where progress has been made across regions and selected countries, and how factors like skilled care, essential medicines, and community support shape outcomes.
Key Takeaways
- Haemorrhage accounts for 27% of all maternal deaths worldwide, primarily in first 24 hours postpartum
- Hypertensive disorders cause 14% of global maternal deaths, including pre-eclampsia and eclampsia
- Sepsis contributes to 11% of maternal mortality globally due to unclean delivery practices
- In Nigeria, MMR was 814 per 100,000 live births in 2015 national survey
- United States MMR rose to 32.9 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2021 from 23.8 in 2019
- India’s MMR declined to 97 per 100,000 live births by 2018-20 from 130 in 2014-16
- In 2020, the global maternal mortality ratio (MMR) was estimated at 223 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, down from 339 in 2000
- Globally, approximately 287,000 women died from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth in 2020
- The lifetime risk of maternal death for a 15-year-old woman is 1 in 41 in low-income countries compared to 1 in 3,300 in high-income countries as of 2020
- Skilled birth attendants at delivery increased to 89% in Southern Asia 2000-2020
- Oxytocin for PPH prevention coverage reached 60% globally by 2020
- Community health worker programs reduced MMR by 30% in Ethiopia 2010-2020
- Sub-Saharan Africa has an MMR of 542 per 100,000 live births, the highest regional rate in 2017
- Central and Southern Asia's MMR was 152 per 100,000 live births in 2017, showing moderate decline
- Latin America and the Caribbean reported 60 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2020
Related reading
01 · Category
Causes And Risk Factors20 stats
01
Haemorrhage accounts for 27% of all maternal deaths worldwide, primarily in first 24 hours postpartum
02
Hypertensive disorders cause 14% of global maternal deaths, including pre-eclampsia and eclampsia
03
Sepsis contributes to 11% of maternal mortality globally due to unclean delivery practices
04
Indirect obstetric deaths make up 27% globally, often from pre-existing conditions like HIV or malaria
05
Unsafe abortion leads to 8% of maternal deaths worldwide, higher in restrictive settings
06
Adolescent pregnancy increases maternal mortality risk by 50% for girls 15-19 vs 20-24 year olds
07
Obesity raises maternal mortality risk by 2-6 times in high-income countries
08
HIV/AIDS accounts for 10% of maternal deaths in sub-Saharan Africa specifically
09
Anaemia contributes to 12% of postpartum haemorrhage-related deaths globally
10
Malaria causes about 11% of deaths in Africa, exacerbating maternal risks during pregnancy
11
Cardiovascular diseases are rising cause, 26.1% of US maternal deaths 2018-2020
12
Lack of skilled birth attendance triples maternal death risk in home births
13
Rural residence increases MMR by 50% compared to urban areas globally
14
Poverty correlates with 80% higher maternal mortality in low-income settings
15
Multiple pregnancies raise mortality risk by 2.5 times due to complications
16
Delayed care-seeking causes 40% of preventable maternal deaths in low-resource areas
17
Mental health disorders contribute to 20% of maternal suicides post-partum globally
18
Caesarean section overuse in some regions increases infection risk by 5%
19
Nutritional deficiencies like iron deficiency anaemia affect 40% of pregnant women, leading to higher MMR
20
Intimate partner violence triples maternal mortality risk during pregnancy
Interpretation
Causes And Risk Factors Interpretation
In the causes and risk factors behind maternal mortality, haemorrhage and indirect obstetric deaths each account for 27% of global maternal deaths while hypertensive disorders add another 14%, showing that both immediate obstetric complications and underlying conditions are key targets for prevention efforts.
02 · Category
Country Specific Statistics22 stats
01
In Nigeria, MMR was 814 per 100,000 live births in 2015 national survey
02
United States MMR rose to 32.9 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2021 from 23.8 in 2019
03
India’s MMR declined to 97 per 100,000 live births by 2018-20 from 130 in 2014-16
04
Ethiopia MMR was 412 per 100,000 live births in 2016 DHS survey
05
United Kingdom MMR is 8.8 per 100,000 maternities in 2019-21 triennium
06
Pakistan MMR stands at 186 per 100,000 live births per 2019 estimates
07
Brazil recorded MMR of 59.7 per 100,000 live births in 2019
08
Afghanistan MMR is 620 per 100,000 live births as per 2015 data
09
Canada’s MMR is 8.2 per 100,000 live births in recent years
10
Democratic Republic of Congo MMR 473 per 100,000 live births 2020
11
China MMR dropped to 16.9 per 100,000 live births by 2018
12
South Africa MMR 119 per 100,000 live births in 2017 audit data
13
Mexico MMR 60.3 per 100,000 live births in 2020
14
Sierra Leone highest at 1,120 per 100,000 live births 2014-15 DHS
15
Australia MMR 5.5 per 100,000 births 2018-20
16
Bangladesh MMR 173 per 100,000 live births 2016
17
Russia MMR 11.2 per 100,000 live births 2020
18
Kenya MMR 355 per 100,000 live births 2014 DHS
19
Japan lowest globally at 4 per 100,000 live births 2018
20
Tanzania MMR 556 per 100,000 live births 2015-16
21
France MMR 8.6 per 100,000 live births 2013-15
22
Yemen MMR 164 per 100,000 live births 2020 amid conflict
Interpretation
Country Specific Statistics Interpretation
For country-specific maternal mortality, the figures show wide variation, with Nigeria at 814 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2015 and the United States rising to 32.9 in 2021 from 23.8 in 2019, while India fell to 97 by 2018-20 from 130 in 2014-16 and the UK remains low at 8.8 in 2019-21.
03 · Category
Global Overview30 stats
01
In 2020, the global maternal mortality ratio (MMR) was estimated at 223 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, down from 339 in 2000
02
Globally, approximately 287,000 women died from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth in 2020
03
The lifetime risk of maternal death for a 15-year-old woman is 1 in 41 in low-income countries compared to 1 in 3,300 in high-income countries as of 2020
04
Sub-Saharan Africa accounted for roughly 70% of the global maternal deaths in 2020 with an MMR of 533 per 100,000 live births
05
In 2017, an estimated 295,000 maternal deaths occurred worldwide, with progress stalling post-2015
06
Global MMR declined by 38% between 2000 and 2017, but the Sustainable Development Goal target of less than 70 by 2030 is off track
07
Haemorrhage remains the leading direct cause of maternal death globally, accounting for 27% of deaths in 2020
08
Over 700 women die daily from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth worldwide
09
In low- and lower-middle-income countries, MMR averaged 415 per 100,000 live births in 2020
10
Adolescent girls aged 10-14 face 20 times higher risk of death during pregnancy than women aged 20-24 globally
11
Globally, maternal mortality ratio for HIV-infected women was 620 per 100,000 live births in 2015
12
An estimated 811 women die from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth every day globally as of recent data
13
Global maternal deaths totaled 303,000 in 2015, with slow progress thereafter
14
MMR in fragile and conflict-affected states was 443 per 100,000 live births in 2017
15
Globally, 94% of maternal deaths occur in low and lower-middle income countries
16
The global annual rate of reduction in MMR was 2.9% from 2000-2020, insufficient for SDG targets
17
In 2020, 82% of live births worldwide occurred with skilled birth attendant presence, up from 76% in 2015
18
Universal health coverage could avert 112,000 maternal deaths annually globally
19
Global MMR stood at 211 per 100,000 live births in 2017 estimates
20
Maternal mortality claims over 800 women's lives daily worldwide
21
In 2000, global MMR was 422 per 100,000 live births, dropping significantly by 2020
22
Postpartum haemorrhage causes about 25% of maternal deaths globally
23
Global under-5 mortality linked to maternal health, with 2.4 million neonatal deaths in 2020
24
MMR for women in rural areas is 1.5 times higher than urban globally
25
Globally, indirect causes account for 27.5% of maternal deaths
26
In 2020, only 49% of women in low-income countries had access to modern contraception
27
Global maternal mortality burden equates to 27.4 deaths per 100,000 live births adjusted rate in 2019
28
99% of maternal deaths occur in developing regions globally
29
Global progress reduced MMR by 44% from 1990-2015
30
In 2015, global MMR was 216 per 100,000 live births
Interpretation
Global Overview Interpretation
Under the Global Overview, maternal mortality is trending down but far from enough, with the global MMR falling from 339 in 2000 to 223 in 2020 yet still off track as progress stalled after 2015 and Sub-Saharan Africa alone accounted for about 70% of the roughly 287,000 pregnancy and childbirth related deaths in 2020.
More related reading
04 · Category
Interventions And Progress20 stats
01
Skilled birth attendants at delivery increased to 89% in Southern Asia 2000-2020
02
Oxytocin for PPH prevention coverage reached 60% globally by 2020
03
Community health worker programs reduced MMR by 30% in Ethiopia 2010-2020
04
Magnesium sulfate for eclampsia halved death rates in trials across Africa
05
Misoprostol distribution for home births averted 20% haemorrhage deaths in rural India
06
Antenatal corticosteroids for preterm birth reduced neonatal mortality 30%, indirectly maternal
07
PMTCT for HIV reduced maternal deaths by 50% in sub-Saharan Africa 2000-2020
08
Mobile health interventions improved ANC attendance by 25% in trials
09
Conditional cash transfers boosted skilled delivery by 40% in Bangladesh
10
EmTCT bundles reduced sepsis deaths 40% in pilot hospitals worldwide
11
Iron-folic acid supplementation reached 40% pregnant women globally 2020, cutting anaemia
12
Voucher schemes for maternity services cut MMR 24% in pilot low-income areas
13
Training midwives scaled to 1 million annually, averting 1 million deaths projected
14
Kangaroo mother care reduced preterm complications aiding maternal outcomes
15
Quality improvement collaboratives dropped MMR 50% in Uttar Pradesh India
16
Free maternity services in Ghana increased facility births 80%, reducing deaths
17
Ultrasound access prenatally prevented 15% obstructed labour deaths
18
Respectful maternity care campaigns reduced abuse-related complications 30%
19
Task-shifting to non-physicians for C-sections safe, expanded access 50% in Africa
20
Nutrition education programs lowered anaemia by 25% in pregnant women trials
Interpretation
Interventions And Progress Interpretation
Under the Interventions And Progress category, expanding proven maternity practices has clearly been working, with skilled birth attendants reaching 89% in Southern Asia by 2020 and coverage gains like oxytocin for PPH reaching 60% globally, alongside major results such as community health worker programs cutting Ethiopia’s MMR by 30% from 2010 to 2020.
05 · Category
Regional Disparities24 stats
01
Sub-Saharan Africa has an MMR of 542 per 100,000 live births, the highest regional rate in 2017
02
Central and Southern Asia's MMR was 152 per 100,000 live births in 2017, showing moderate decline
03
Latin America and the Caribbean reported 60 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2020
04
In Oceania, MMR stands at 186 per 100,000 live births as of 2017 data
05
Eastern and South-Eastern Asia had an MMR of 45 per 100,000 live births in 2020
06
Western and Central Africa region saw 658 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2017
07
Middle East and North Africa MMR was 72 per 100,000 live births in 2017
08
Eastern Europe and Central Asia reported 20 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2020
09
South Asia's MMR dropped to 133 per 100,000 live births by 2020 from higher previous rates
10
Eastern Africa had an MMR of 401 per 100,000 live births in 2017
11
Northern Africa MMR is 62 per 100,000 live births as per 2020 estimates
12
Western Asia region shows MMR of 52 per 100,000 live births in recent data
13
Southern Africa MMR stands at 140 per 100,000 live births in 2017
14
Caribbean sub-region has MMR around 90 per 100,000 live births
15
Central Asia MMR is 49 per 100,000 live births as of 2020
16
In the Americas, MMR varies with 13 in North America vs higher in Latin regions in 2017
17
Europe overall has low MMR of 11 per 100,000 live births in 2020
18
Pacific Islands region MMR exceeds 200 per 100,000 live births
19
Eastern Asia MMR is 16 per 100,000 live births, lowest in Asia regions 2020
20
Western Africa highest at 747 per 100,000 live births in 2017 SDG regions
21
South-Eastern Asia MMR 112 per 100,000 live births in 2017
22
Central America MMR around 95 per 100,000 live births recent data
23
Southern Europe low MMR of 3 per 100,000 live births 2020
24
Middle Africa MMR 543 per 100,000 live births 2017
Interpretation
Regional Disparities Interpretation
The regional disparities in maternal mortality are stark, with Western and Central Africa reaching 658 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2017 and Sub-Saharan Africa at 542, while regions like Eastern and South-Eastern Asia are much lower at 45 per 100,000 in 2020.
06 · Category
Trends Over Time26 stats
01
Global MMR declined 34% from 339 in 2000 to 223 per 100,000 live births in 2020
02
From 2000-2017, MMR reduction averaged 2.9% annually globally, slowing after 2015
03
Sub-Saharan Africa MMR fell 39% from 2000 to 2020 but remains highest
04
In high-income countries, MMR increased 60% from 2010-2020 due to comorbidities
05
India achieved 26% MMR reduction from 2014-16 to 2018-20 to 97 per 100k
06
Global maternal deaths decreased from 529,000 in 1990 to 303,000 in 2015
07
Annual rate of reduction in MMR was 2.7% in Asia 2000-2020 vs 1.7% in Africa
08
US MMR rose from 18.0 in 2000 to 23.8 per 100k in 2019 then 32.9 in 2021
09
Skilled birth attendant coverage rose globally from 63% in 2000 to 82% in 2020
10
MMR in low-income countries dropped 50% from 1990-2015 but stalled post-MDG
11
Ethiopia MMR halved from 871 in 2000 to 412 in 2016
12
Haemorrhage as % of deaths decreased 25% globally 2003-2009 due to interventions
13
Contraceptive prevalence increased 20% in low-income countries 2000-2020, aiding MMR drop
14
Nigeria MMR from 545 in 2008 to 814 in 2015, showing reversal
15
Global antenatal care coverage at least 4 visits rose to 66% by 2020 from 47% 2000
16
MMR reduction stalled globally 2016-2020 at ~210 per 100k
17
Rwanda MMR plummeted 83% from 1,071 in 2000 to 203 in 2010
18
Postpartum family planning access doubled in many countries 2010-2020
19
Indirect causes rose from 20% to 28% of deaths globally 2000-2020
20
Universal health coverage expansion averted 2.4 million maternal deaths 2000-2015
21
339 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2000 (global MMR)https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SH.STA.MMRT
22
260 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2010 (global MMR)https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SH.STA.MMRT
23
214 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2015 (global MMR)https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SH.STA.MMRT
24
203 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2016 (global MMR)https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SH.STA.MMRT
25
196 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2017 (global MMR)https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SH.STA.MMRT
26
186 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2020 (global MMR)https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SH.STA.MMRT
Interpretation
Trends Over Time Interpretation
Across the Trens Over Time, the global maternal mortality ratio fell 34% from 339 in 2000 to 223 per 100,000 live births in 2020, but the pace slowed after 2015 and large regional gaps persist, with Sub Saharan Africa still the highest at 39% lower since 2000.
report visual · Projection
Maternal mortality (global MMR) has fallen over time
Global maternal mortality ratio (maternal deaths per 100,000 live births) trends downward from 2000 to 2020, with the highest level at 2000 and lower levels dominating by 2015–2020
339 deaths per 100,000 live births
Start
-2.96%
CAGR · 20y
186 deaths per 100,000 live births
Projected
20002020
source-verifieddata.worldbank.org2020
Reference
Cite This Report
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APA
Marcus Engström. (2026, February 13). Maternal Mortality Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/maternal-mortality-statistics
MLA
Marcus Engström. "Maternal Mortality Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/maternal-mortality-statistics.
Chicago
Marcus Engström. 2026. "Maternal Mortality Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/maternal-mortality-statistics.