Maternal mortality and morbidity: a human rights imperative

Abstract

Maternal mortality and morbidity continue to be a serious human rights concern—it is estimated that 287 000 women died of maternal causes in 2010. 1 WHOUNICEFUNFPAthe World BankTrends in maternal mortality: 1990 to 2010. WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA and the World Bank estimates. World Health Organization, Geneva2012 Google Scholar There is increased understanding that this is a human rights crisis that stems from discrimination against women, which manifests, for example, in violence against women, underprioritisation and underfunding of services and goods that only women require, and lack of accountability mechanisms to respond to maternal deaths and injuries. 2 United NationsReport of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on preventable maternal mortality and morbidity and human rights. A/HRC/14/39. United Nations, New York2010 Google Scholar A human rights-based approach to maternal mortality and morbidity has been advocated by human rights experts for many years, 3 United NationsReport of the Special Rapporteur on the right to the highest attainable standard of health, Mr Paul Hunt. A/61/338. United Nations, New York2006 Google Scholar , 4 Ely Yamin A Towards transformative accountability: applying a rights-based approach to fulfill maternal health obligations. Sur Int J Human Rights. 2010; 7: 95-121 Google Scholar and has also gained traction among public health experts and other professionals. 5 WHOSafe abortion: technical and policy guidance for health systems. World Health Organization, Geneva2012 Google Scholar An important example of this evolution is the 2012 report of the independent Expert Review Group, 6 Independent Expert Review GroupEvery woman, every child: from commitments to action. World Health Organization, Geneva2012 Google Scholar which was mandated to monitor progress on the UN Secretary-General's Global Strategy for Women's and Children's Health and included a specific recommendation on human rights.