India's Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR)

Context

India's Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has declined to 93 per 1,00,000 live births in 2019–21, continuing a downward trend in recent years. This has been reported by the Registrar General of India using data from the Sample Registration System (SRS).

India’s Maternal Mortality Situation (Key-Findings)

Declining National Trend: MMR has reduced from 97 (2018–20) to 93 (2019–21) per 1,00,000 live births. The report shows steady improvement from 103 in 2017–19.
Age-wise Impact: Highest maternal deaths occurred in the 20–29 years age group (prime reproductive age). Second highest in the 30–34 years age group.
States with High MMR (per 1,00,000 live births):
- Madhya Pradesh – 175
- Assam – 167
- Uttar Pradesh – 151
- Odisha – 135
- Chhattisgarh – 132
- West Bengal – 109
- Haryana – 106
Southern State Performance:
- Karnataka: MMR reduced to 63, but still highest among southern states.
- Other southern states likely performing better (not individually listed in this data).
Global Benchmark (UN SDG Target): India’s current MMR of 93 is still above the SDG target of less than 70 per 1,00,000 live births.
Cause of Death (as per WHO): Most maternal deaths are due to preventable causes during pregnancy, childbirth, or shortly after delivery.
- Causes include complications like hemorrhage, infection, high blood pressure, unsafe abortion, etc.
WHO 2023 Global Concern:
- Over 700 women die daily worldwide from pregnancy-related causes.
- 90% of maternal deaths happen in low- and lower-middle-income countries.

What is Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR)?

Definition (WHO): MMR is the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in a given time period.
Maternal Death: The death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, from causes related to or aggravated by pregnancy or its management—not from accidental or incidental causes.

Maternal Health Schemes under NHM

NHM is central to India’s maternal health initiatives through its comprehensive RMNCAH+N strategy—covering Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health and Nutrition.

Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY): Launched in 2005, it provides cash incentives to promote institutional delivery among BPL, SC, and ST women to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality.
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY): Offers ?5,000 maternity benefit for the first live birth, with an additional incentive under PMMVY 2.0 for a second girl child to promote positive behaviour.
Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK): Ensures free delivery (including C-section), diagnostics, medicines, transport, diet, and blood for pregnant women and sick infants in public health institutions.
Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan (SUMAN): Launched in 2019, it guarantees free, respectful, and quality maternal and newborn healthcare with zero service denial.
Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA): Provides fixed-day, free antenatal care on the 9th of every month, focusing on high-risk pregnancies; over 5.9 crore women examined till March 2025.
LaQshya: Launched in 2017, aims to improve quality care in labour rooms and maternity OTs for safe and respectful childbirth.
MDSR (Maternal Death Surveillance and Response): Tracks maternal deaths at community and facility levels to identify causes and improve obstetric care.
VHSND (Village Health, Sanitation and Nutrition Day): Monthly outreach for delivering maternal and child health services and nutrition counselling at the village level.
MCP Card & Safe Motherhood Booklet: Distributed to educate pregnant women about diet, danger signs, and available maternal health services.
RCH Portal: Web-based tracking system for antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care of pregnant women and newborns.
Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB): Strategy under POSHAN Abhiyan to reduce anaemia among pregnant women and adolescents through testing, treatment, and awareness.