34. Preventing Maternal Deaths During Childbirth in Ethiopia

A mother dies from preventable causes related to pregnancy or childbirth every two minutes. We have the medical knowledge about what works to prevent these avoidable deaths. So why do they still occur? Explore the global maternal mortality crisis and the three delays that turn a joyful event into a tragedy. Abebe Alene tells us how Dessie Hospital in Ethiopia halved its maternal deaths. We talk about simplifying birthing workflows in hospitals, standardizing lifesaving medical procedures, the life-saving power of midwives, and the role of paid maternity leave policies.References:Gunja MZ, et al. Insights into the U.S. Maternal Mortality Crisis: An International Comparison. Commonwealth Fund. June 4, 2024. doi:10.26099/cthn-st75Davidson KW, Terry MB, Braveman P, et al. Maternal mortality: a National Institutes of Health Pathways to Prevention panel report. Obstet Gynecol. 2024;143(3):e78-e85. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000005488Ekwuazi EK, Chigbu CO, Ngene NC. Reducing maternal mortality in low- and middle-income countries. Case Rep Womens Health. 2023;39:e00542. doi:10.1016/j.crwh.2023.e00542Langlois EV, Reid A, Khosla R. Mothers deserve better: evidence-based strategies to address maternal mortality. Lancet Glob Health*. Published online April 8, 2025. doi:10.1016/S2214-109X(25)00149-4Nassar AH, Usta I. Factors contributing to the reduction of the global maternal mortality ratio. Lancet Glob Health. 2026.World Health Organization. Maternal mortality. 2025. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/maternal-mortality