Ensuring Safe Pregnancy and Childbirth for All Women and Newborns

Today, an estimated 830 women die every single day from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth, and many more experience acute or chronic morbidity. With the Sustainable Development Goals, the global community has committed to reducing global maternal mortality to less than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births. The task of saving women's lives and protecting their health requires strong capacity in the health system to address the full range of direct causes of maternal mortality and morbidity. This session will focus on evidence-based strategies for accelerating progress by improving quality, coverage and equity in maternity care through an effective, well-functioning primary health care system, including safe abortion. It will also discuss the need for increased attention to preventing and treating maternal morbidities, and how to ensure that maternity care respects women’s rights and is free of violence and discrimination.