HQ Team
March 8, 2025: A study by the World Health Organization (WHO), Global and Regional Causes of Maternal Deaths 2009–2020, has identified severe bleeding (haemorrhage) and hypertensive disorders like preeclampsia as the leading causes of maternal deaths worldwide, accounting for approximately 80,000 and 50,000 fatalities, respectively, in 2020.
These conditions represented over 40% of the 287,000 maternal deaths recorded that year—equivalent to one death every two minutes.
The findings underscore a persistent global equity gap, with millions of women lacking access to life-saving treatments before, during, and after childbirth.
Global equity crisis
The study marks WHO’s first comprehensive analysis since the adoption of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015. It highlights that nearly a quarter (23%) of pregnancy-related deaths stem from underlying conditions such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, anemia, and diabetes, which often go undiagnosed or untreated until critical stages.
“Understanding why mothers die is vital to addressing this crisis,” emphasized Dr. Pascale Allotey, WHO director of Sexual and Reproductive Health. “This is a stark equity issue—women everywhere deserve quality healthcare to survive childbirth and thrive beyond it.”
The causes
Haemorrhage or severe bleeding during or after childbirth, was responsible for 27% of deaths. Preeclampsia or eclampsia, which are hypertensive disorders, contributed to 16% of fatalities, often leading to strokes, organ failure, or seizures if untreated.
Other causes were sepsis, unsafe abortions, embolism, and childbirth injuries. Chronic and infectious diseases exacerbate complications, particularly in low-resource settings.
Critical gaps in care
Most maternal deaths occur during or shortly after childbirth, making this a critical window to save lives.The report stresses that most deaths occur during or shortly after delivery, yet one-third of women in lower-income countries miss essential postnatal checks. Dr. Jenny Cresswell, study co-author, noted, “A holistic approach is key—health systems must support women across all life stages, not just childbirth.”
WHO’s roadmap for action
The WHO launched a 2024 Global Roadmap for Postpartum Haemorrhage to prioritize prevention and treatment. Additionally, all 194 World Health Assembly member states pledged to strengthen maternal care under a 2023 resolution. World Health Day 2025 will spotlight maternal and newborn health, urging intensified efforts in high-risk regions.
In addition, most countries do not report on late maternal deaths (those that occur in the year following childbirth), although several conditions can lead to risks lasting much beyond the birth itself.
While the study aggregates data from WHO member states and peer-reviewed research, gaps persist—particularly on maternal suicide and late postpartum deaths. Most countries do not report on late maternal deaths (those that occur in the year following childbirth), although several conditions can lead to risks lasting much beyond the birth itself.
Updated estimates for 2000–2023 will be released in April 2025, offering deeper insights into progress toward SDG targets.
The WHO has put forth suggestions to combat inequities in maternal care. Access to antenatal care to detect problems such as preeclampsia and emergency intervention if sepsis or hemorrhage occurs.
After birth, postnatal care should include physical and mental health checkups, both. Preventive measures should be taken against malnutrition.
“Survival isn’t enough—women deserve quality care that safeguards their long-term health,” stressed Dr. Allotey.
Access the full study here: Lancet Global Health
