Preventable deaths in pregnancy and childbirth
About 260,000 women died from pregnancy and childbirth in 2023 — roughly one every two minutes — and most of those deaths were preventable.
How this affects people
Maternal deaths fell 40% between 2000 and 2023, but progress has slowed since 2016.
Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for almost three-quarters of deaths, largely from bleeding, infection and high blood pressure that skilled care can treat.
Look at what keeps the problem going
- 01Lack of skilled birth attendants
- 02Distance to emergency care
- 03Aid cuts
- 04Conflict and fragile health systems
What could happen next
The future leaves room for choices. Compare the outlooks, check what supports them and notice where the evidence becomes less certain
Aid cuts threaten services
UN agencies warn funding cuts could reverse gains.
The future is not a timetable. These summaries reflect published scenarios and trends, with deeper uncertainty at longer horizons. Choices made now matter.
Where could a useful response begin?
Begin with a question you can investigate. Compare the sources and follow related briefings to see how the problem connects to other lives and places. This prototype does not accept proposals yet.
This preview does not accept proposals or create an account.