– By Vasudha Arabandi, National Initiatives and Communications Associate
On the 11th of April, India celebrates its 23rd National Safe Motherhood Day, a day dedicated to emphasising the importance of maternal health and acknowledging the vital role that healthy mothers and children play in the nation’s development. One of the most critical indicators of maternal health is the maternal mortality rate (MMR), defined as the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births.
A high maternal mortality rate reflects inadequate healthcare systems and poses a serious threat to both women and children, as well as the overall progress of a nation. Though often preventable, deaths continue to occur due to common medical causes including complications such as severe bleeding, infections, high blood pressure during pregnancy, and unsafe abortions. These are compounded by delays in accessing care, poor infrastructure, lack of skilled health personnel, and the overall inaccessibility of emergency obstetric services, particularly in rural areas. Social factors such as early marriage, poverty, malnutrition, and lack of education contribute significantly to maternal mortality, making it a multidimensional issue that demands a holistic approach.
The impact of high maternal mortality is profound. Within families, the death of a mother can lead to emotional trauma and disrupt the nurturing environment needed for children to thrive. Infants left without maternal care are at a higher risk of malnutrition, illness, and even mortality. Economically, it places an additional burden on the household, especially in low-income communities where women often play key roles in caregiving and supporting the family. At the national level, high MMR signifies inadequate healthcare, slows down social and economic development and impedes progress on gender equality and overall human development. Despite these challenges, India has made remarkable progress in reducing maternal mortality. In recent years, the country’s MMR dropped significantly from 130 per 100,000 live births in 2014-16 to 97 in 2018-20. This decline is a testament to the persistent efforts of the government, civil society, healthcare workers, and communities across the nation. The Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), under the National Health Mission, encourages institutional deliveries through financial incentives and ensures that pregnant women receive proper medical attention during childbirth.
Another significant initiative is the Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK), which provides free and cashless services for pregnant women, including deliveries and neonatal care, making maternal healthcare more accessible and affordable. These schemes have been instrumental in boosting institutional births and reducing the risks associated with home deliveries.
The Ministry of Women Child development through its army of almost 14 lakh Anganwadi workers has also been instrumental in achieving this decline via home visits and dissemination of safe motherhood practices. They educate women on how to manage mental and physical health during pregnancy and after childbirth through tips like self-care, promoting self-love, eating a nutritious diet, and staying connected with ASHA and Anganwadi workers.
Supporting maternal health is like updating the core system that everything else relies on. It’s about honouring the trust we place in mothers, the love they give unconditionally, and the strength they carry every day. When a mother is truly supported—physically, emotionally, and socially—everything she touches begins to thrive. Safe motherhood isn’t just a policy priority, it’s a promise we make to every future.