Context – Declining trend of MMR:
MMR (Maternal Mortality Ratio) is the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births within a given time period.
- Current MMR: 93 per 1,00,000 live births (2019–21).
- Previous Trends:
- 97 (2018–20),
- 103 (2017–19).
- Clear Decline: Indicates gradual improvement in maternal health outcomes.
Relevance : GS 2(Health)
Age-wise Distribution
- Highest MMR: Women aged 20–29 years.
- Second Highest: Women aged 30–34 years.
- These are prime reproductive years, highlighting risks during peak childbearing age.
State-wise High MMRs
- States with High MMR (above national average):
- Madhya Pradesh: 175
- Assam: 167
- Uttar Pradesh: 151
- Odisha: 135
- Chhattisgarh: 132
- West Bengal: 109
- Haryana: 106
- Indicates regional disparities in healthcare access and maternal care quality.
MMR as a Health Indicator
- Definition: Number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births.
- Reflects reproductive health, healthcare quality, and equity in a region.
- Maternal Death (WHO): Death during pregnancy or within 42 days of termination, excluding accidental causes.
Global Perspective (WHO)
- Global MMR Goal (SDGs): Less than 70 per 100,000 live births.
- 2023 Figures:
- Over 700 women died daily due to preventable pregnancy-related causes.
- A death every 2 minutes worldwide.
- 90%+ deaths occurred in low- and lower-middle-income countries.
- Emphasizes need for skilled care before, during, and after childbirth.
Data Source
- Collected via Sample Registration System (SRS)—one of India’s largest demographic surveys.
- Challenge: Maternal deaths are rare events, requiring large samples for accurate estimates.
Key Implications
- Declining MMR shows progress in maternal healthcare, but:
- High-risk age groups need targeted interventions.
- State-level disparities must be addressed with focused policies.
- Meeting SDG targets requires sustained effort in maternal care infrastructure, awareness, and skilled medical support.
