A major study published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Women’s Health highlights that India remains among the countries with the highest number of maternal deaths globally, even though the country has made substantial progress over the past three decades. The report also notes that the pace of improvement slowed after 2015, following a period of rapid decline.
Global Maternal Deaths Remain a Major Health Concern
According to the study, around 2.4 lakh women died worldwide in 2023 due to pregnancy and childbirth-related complications. Of these, India accounted for approximately 24,700 deaths, placing it among the highest-burden countries along with Nigeria, Pakistan, and Ethiopia.
As reported by TOI, the findings highlight the continuing challenge of reducing maternal mortality and improving maternal healthcare globally.
Significant Decline in Maternal Mortality Since 1990
Despite current concerns, India has achieved notable progress in reducing maternal deaths over the past three decades. Maternal deaths in the country dropped dramatically from about 1.19 lakh in 1990 to 36,900 in 2015, and further declined to 24,700 in 2023.
Similarly, the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) declined from 508 deaths per one lakh live births in 1990 to 116 in 2023. While these figures demonstrate significant improvements, experts believe that more efforts are needed to close the remaining gaps.
India Accounts for One in Ten Global Maternal Deaths
Even with progress, India still contributes around 10 percent of global maternal deaths, highlighting the scale of the challenge.
Dr Abha Majumdar, Director of the Centre of IVF & Human Reproduction at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, explained that government programmes and improved healthcare access have played a key role in reducing maternal mortality.
“Maternal mortality has declined significantly since 1990 due to better awareness, increased institutional deliveries, and several government initiatives. However, progress remains uneven across states. Regions like Kerala and Tamil Nadu are close to global targets, while states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh continue to report higher maternal mortality rates,” she said.
Rapid Improvements Between 2000 and 2015
The study also highlights that the most significant reduction in maternal deaths occurred between 2000 and 2015. During this period, India expanded institutional deliveries, strengthened antenatal care services, and implemented broader public health interventions.
However, the pace of improvement has slowed in recent years, indicating deeper systemic challenges that require targeted solutions.
Preventable Causes Continue to Drive Maternal Deaths
Importantly, the study reveals that many maternal deaths in India still occur due to largely preventable causes. These include:
- Severe haemorrhage
- Hypertensive disorders during pregnancy
- Infections
- Complications related to pre-existing medical conditions
In addition, delays in accessing timely healthcare, gaps in the quality of services, and unequal access across regions remain significant barriers.
Global Targets Still Out of Reach
On a global scale, the maternal mortality ratio stood at 190 deaths per one lakh live births in 2023, which remains significantly higher than the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of fewer than 70 deaths per one lakh live births.
The study also points out that more than half of the countries worldwide have yet to reach this target.
Covid-19 Pandemic Impacted Maternal Health Services
Researchers further noted that the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted maternal healthcare services, which contributed to additional maternal deaths in several regions during peak pandemic years.
These disruptions highlighted the importance of resilient healthcare systems and uninterrupted maternal care services, even during public health emergencies.
Experts Call for Renewed Focus on Maternal Healthcare
Experts believe that the findings underscore the need for India to sustain its gains in maternal health while strengthening healthcare systems further. Improving the quality of maternal care, ensuring better management of high-risk pregnancies, and expanding access to healthcare in underserved regions remain critical priorities.
With progress slowing and risks still present, the study warns that countries may fall short of the 2030 global goal of making childbirth safer for all women unless stronger measures are implemented.