India Among Nations with Highest Maternal Deaths, Study Finds Progress Slowing
A major study published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Women’s Health has identified India as one of the countries with the highest number of maternal deaths globally. The research indicates that while India made rapid declines in maternal mortality from 1990 to 2015, progress has significantly slowed down in recent years, raising concerns about achieving international health targets.
Global and Indian Maternal Mortality Statistics
Globally, an estimated 2.4 lakh women died in 2023 due to pregnancy and childbirth-related causes. India accounted for approximately 24,700 of these deaths, placing it among the highest-burden countries alongside Nigeria, Pakistan, and Ethiopia. The global maternal mortality ratio stood at 190 deaths per one lakh live births in 2023, far above the Sustainable Development Goal target of fewer than 70.
India's Long-Term Trends and Regional Disparities
India's long-term data shows both progress and persistent challenges. Maternal deaths fell sharply from about 1.19 lakh in 1990 to 36,900 in 2015 and further to 24,700 in 2023. The maternal mortality ratio declined from 508 in 1990 to 116 per one lakh live births in 2023, indicating substantial gains but also unfinished work.
Dr. Abha Majumdar, director of the Centre of IVF & Human Reproduction at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, noted, "Maternal mortality has declined significantly since 1990 due to better awareness, institutional deliveries, and government programmes, although progress remains uneven across states." She highlighted that states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu are nearing global targets, while others such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh continue to report higher maternal mortality rates.
Causes and Systemic Challenges
The study points to a persistent pattern in India, where deaths continue to be driven by largely preventable causes such as:
- Haemorrhage
- Hypertensive disorders
- Infections
- Complications linked to pre-existing conditions
Delays in receiving care, gaps in the quality of services, and uneven access across regions remain key concerns. The steepest decline in maternal deaths occurred between 2000 and 2015, driven by expanded institutional deliveries, improved antenatal care, and wider public health interventions. However, the pace has slowed down in recent years, pointing to systemic challenges that are harder to address.
Impact of COVID-19 and Future Outlook
Researchers also flagged the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted maternal health services and contributed to additional deaths in several regions during peak years. Experts say the findings underline the need for India to sustain gains in maternal health, strengthen public health systems, and improve quality of care, particularly for high-risk pregnancies and underserved populations.
With progress slowing down and risks persisting, the study warns that without renewed focus, countries may fall short of the 2030 goal of making childbirth safer for all women. The findings call for targeted interventions to address preventable causes and ensure equitable healthcare access across all Indian states.
