WHO Warns of Reversals in Maternal Mortality Progress

Global maternal deaths have declined by 40% in 25 years, but disparities, unsafe abortions, and funding cuts threaten further gains, says WHO.

The World Health Organization highlights a 40% reduction in global maternal mortality over the past 25 years, largely due to improved healthcare access and support.
In 2023, approximately 260,000 women died from pregnancy-related complications, with 92% of these deaths occurring in low-income countries.
Nigeria, India, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Pakistan accounted for nearly half of global maternal deaths in 2023, underscoring geographic disparities.
Unsafe abortion practices remain a significant contributor to maternal mortality, with the WHO emphasizing the need for access to contraception and safe abortion services.
The United States and parts of Latin America are seeing rising or stagnant maternal mortality rates, raising concerns about a reversal of progress in these regions.