India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio Declines: A Step Towards Better Maternal Health

India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has shown a significant decline, dropping from 97 per lakh live births in 2018-20 to 93 per lakh in 2019-21, as per the latest data released by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India. This decline represents progress in maternal health and reflects the ongoing efforts to improve the health and safety of women during pregnancy and childbirth. However, certain states still face high MMRs, signaling a need for continued attention to maternal healthcare.

Why in News?

The MMR in India is an important indicator of the overall health of the population, particularly the reproductive health of women. The recent decline is a positive development in India’s health sector, signaling progress in maternal healthcare. The achievement is aligned with global goals, including the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which target a global MMR of less than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030.

Key Highlights

• Decline in MMR: India’s MMR has dropped from 97 in 2018-20 to 93 in 2019-21, and further from 103 in 2017-19.
• Age Group Data: The highest MMR is observed in the 20-29 years age group, followed by the 30-34 years age group.

States with High MMR

• Madhya Pradesh: 175
• Assam: 167
• Uttar Pradesh: 151
• Odisha: 135
• Chhattisgarh: 132
• West Bengal: 109
• Haryana: 106
• Karnataka’s Performance: Karnataka’s MMR has reduced to 63 per lakh live births, though it still has the highest MMR among the southern states.

Background and Importance

• Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) is defined as the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. It serves as a key indicator of a country’s maternal healthcare system and overall health quality.
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The UN aims to reduce the global MMR to below 70 per 100,000 live births, a target India is progressively working towards.
• WHO’s Role: The World Health Organization defines maternal death and emphasizes that many deaths during pregnancy or childbirth are preventable with skilled healthcare.

India’s Progress

• India has made substantial progress in reducing maternal deaths, thanks to improving healthcare facilities, better access to prenatal care, and a focus on skilled birth attendants.
• Despite the overall decline, states like Madhya Pradesh, Assam, and Uttar Pradesh still face high MMRs, which highlights the need for targeted healthcare interventions in these regions.

Global Context

• Globally, over 700 women die daily from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. However, the global MMR dropped by about 40% between 2000 and 2023.
• India’s progress aligns with the global trend of reducing maternal mortality, especially in low and middle-income countries.