Better healthcare for mothers

Every year more than half a million women die in childbirth or as a result of becoming pregnant. This means one woman dies every minute.

When a woman dies, the chances of her newborn surviving are much lower. More than 4 million babies die each year within their first month of life.

99% of maternal deaths are in developing countries. This is why we are working hard to improve the health of women. We are already making it easier for poor women to see a midwife or doctor, get emergency treatment during their labour, and choose if and when they become pregnant.

To make pregnancy and childbirth safer, and prevent the many deaths from unsafe abortion, we must tackle the ‘Three Delays’:

• The time it takes to decide whether to get help;
• The transport problems women face in going for help; and
• The lack of skilled staff once they arrive at the health centre or hospital.

These are the issues that can make the difference between life and death.

In the long run, women must be able to choose how they run their own lives. But first we must raise their status in society. Better healthcare and education are vital for achieving this.

• Our factsheet (278 kb) has more information about our work to improve mothers' health in the developing world.
• And learn more at the website of The Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health.