Maternal mortality in rural India: A hospital based, 10 year retrospective analysis

Objectives: To estimate the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in Ludhiana, a city of Northern India in order to determine the causes associated with MMR and to suggest ways to reduce it. Methods: Retrospective analysis of the mortality records of obstetrics cases in Christian Medical College, Ludhiana, India. Results: The mean MMR for the 10 year period was 785 per 100,000 live births. Of the total 116 reported maternal deaths, 44 (41.9%) were due to induced septic abortion. The reasons were unwanted pregnancy in 22 (50%) and 11 (25%) were female feticide. Conclusions: In our hospital based analysis, MMR was very high. Most maternal deaths are preventable by intervention at the appropriate time and it is important for health professionals, policy makers and politicians to implement the introduction of programs for reducing maternal mortality. Special emphasis should be placed on antenatal care, the establishment of a registration system and measures to abolish illegal abortion.