In 2023, ******* had the highest maternal mortality rate in the world, with around *** maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. ******* was followed by **** with a rate of *** maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. This statistic shows the 20 countries with the highest maternal mortality rate per 100,000 live births in 2023.

In 2023, non-Hispanic Black women had the highest rates of maternal mortality among select races/ethnicities in the United States, with 50.3 deaths per 100,000 live births. The total maternal mortality rate in the U.S. at that time was 18.6 per 100,000 live births, a decrease from a rate of almost 33 in 2021. This statistic presents the maternal mortality rates in the United States from 2018 to 2023, by race and ethnicity.

Maternal mortality rates can vary significantly around the world. For example, in 2022, Estonia had a maternal mortality rate of zero per 100,000 live births, while Mexico reported a rate of 38 deaths per 100,000 live births. However, the regions with the highest number of maternal deaths are Sub-Saharan Africa and Southern Asia, with differences between countries and regions often reflecting inequalities in health care services and access. Most causes of maternal mortality are preventable and treatable with the most common causes including severe bleeding, infections, complications during delivery, high blood pressure during pregnancy, and unsafe abortion. Maternal mortality in the United States In 2022, there were a total of 817 maternal deaths in the United States. Women aged 25 to 39 years accounted for 578 of these deaths, however, rates of maternal mortality are much higher among women aged 40 years and older. In 2022, the rate of maternal mortality among women aged 40 years and older in the U.S. was 87 per 100,000 live births, compared to a rate of 21 among women aged 25 to 39 years. The rate of maternal mortality in the U.S. has risen in recent years among all age groups. Differences in maternal mortality in the U.S. by race/ethnicity Sadly, there are great disparities in maternal mortality in the United States among different races and ethnicities. In 2022, the rate of maternal mortality among non-Hispanic white women was about 19 per 100,000 live births, while non-Hispanic Black women died from maternal causes at a rate of almost 50 per 100,000 live births. Rates of maternal mortality have risen for white and Hispanic women in recent years, but Black women have by far seen the largest increase in maternal mortality. In 2022, around 253 Black women died from maternal causes in the United States.

Colombia maternal mortality rate for 2023 was 59.00, a 20.27% decline from 2022.

<ul style='margin-top:20px;'>

<li>Colombia maternal mortality rate for 2022 was <strong>74.00</strong>, a <strong>49.66% decline</strong> from 2021.</li>
<li>Colombia maternal mortality rate for 2021 was <strong>147.00</strong>, a <strong>56.38% increase</strong> from 2020.</li>
<li>Colombia maternal mortality rate for 2020 was <strong>94.00</strong>, a <strong>42.42% increase</strong> from 2019.</li>
</ul>Maternal mortality ratio is the number of women who die from pregnancy-related causes while pregnant or within 42 days of pregnancy termination per 100,000 live births. The data are estimated with a regression model using information on the proportion of maternal deaths among non-AIDS deaths in women ages 15-49, fertility, birth attendants, and GDP.

The average for 2020 based on 41 countries was 9 deaths per 100,000 births. The highest value was in Cyprus: 68 deaths per 100,000 births and the lowest value was in Belarus: 1 deaths per 100,000 births. The indicator is available from 2000 to 2020. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

The number of maternal deaths and maternal mortality rates for selected causes, 2000 to most recent year.

Canada maternal mortality rate for 2020 was 11.00, a 0% increase from 2019.

<ul style='margin-top:20px;'>

<li>Canada maternal mortality rate for 2019 was <strong>11.00</strong>, a <strong>0% increase</strong> from 2018.</li>
<li>Canada maternal mortality rate for 2018 was <strong>11.00</strong>, a <strong>15.38% decline</strong> from 2017.</li>
<li>Canada maternal mortality rate for 2017 was <strong>13.00</strong>, a <strong>0% increase</strong> from 2016.</li>
</ul>Maternal mortality ratio is the number of women who die from pregnancy-related causes while pregnant or within 42 days of pregnancy termination per 100,000 live births. The data are estimated with a regression model using information on the proportion of maternal deaths among non-AIDS deaths in women ages 15-49, fertility, birth attendants, and GDP.

Women 40 years and over have the highest rates of maternal mortality in the United States. In 2023, the rate of maternal mortality among this age group was around 60 per 100,000 live births. This statistic presents maternal mortality rates in the United States from 2018 to 2023, by age group.

United States US: Maternal Mortality Ratio: Modeled Estimate: per 100,000 Live Births data was reported at 14.000 Ratio in 2015. This stayed constant from the previous number of 14.000 Ratio for 2014. United States US: Maternal Mortality Ratio: Modeled Estimate: per 100,000 Live Births data is updated yearly, averaging 13.000 Ratio from Dec 1990 (Median) to 2015, with 26 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 15.000 Ratio in 2009 and a record low of 11.000 Ratio in 1998. United States US: Maternal Mortality Ratio: Modeled Estimate: per 100,000 Live Births data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s USA – Table US.World Bank: Health Statistics. Maternal mortality ratio is the number of women who die from pregnancy-related causes while pregnant or within 42 days of pregnancy termination per 100,000 live births. The data are estimated with a regression model using information on the proportion of maternal deaths among non-AIDS deaths in women ages 15-49, fertility, birth attendants, and GDP.; ; WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, World Bank Group, and the United Nations Population Division. Trends in Maternal Mortality: 1990 to 2015. Geneva, World Health Organization, 2015; Weighted average; This indicator represents the risk associated with each pregnancy and is also a Sustainable Development Goal Indicator for monitoring maternal health.

Turkey maternal mortality rate for 2023 was 15.00, a 28.57% decline from 2022.

<ul style='margin-top:20px;'>

<li>Turkey maternal mortality rate for 2022 was <strong>21.00</strong>, a <strong>5% increase</strong> from 2021.</li>
<li>Turkey maternal mortality rate for 2021 was <strong>20.00</strong>, a <strong>5.26% increase</strong> from 2020.</li>
<li>Turkey maternal mortality rate for 2020 was <strong>19.00</strong>, a <strong>11.76% increase</strong> from 2019.</li>
</ul>Maternal mortality ratio is the number of women who die from pregnancy-related causes while pregnant or within 42 days of pregnancy termination per 100,000 live births. The data are estimated with a regression model using information on the proportion of maternal deaths among non-AIDS deaths in women ages 15-49, fertility, birth attendants, and GDP.

The average for 2020 based on 182 countries was 138 deaths per 100,000 births. The highest value was in Chad: 1063 deaths per 100,000 births and the lowest value was in Belarus: 1 deaths per 100,000 births. The indicator is available from 2000 to 2020. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

This data presents national-level provisional maternal mortality rates based on a current flow of mortality and natality data in the National Vital Statistics System. Provisional rates which are an early estimate of the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, are shown as of the date specified and may not include all deaths and births that occurred during a given time period (see Technical Notes). A maternal death is the death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy irrespective of the duration and the site of the pregnancy, from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management, but not from accidental or incidental causes. In this data visualization, maternal deaths are those deaths with an underlying cause of death assigned to International Statistical Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) code numbers A34, O00–O95, and O98–O99. The provisional data include reported 12 month-ending provisional maternal mortality rates overall, by age, and by race and Hispanic origin. Provisional maternal mortality rates presented in this data visualization are for “12-month ending periods,” defined as the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births occurring in the 12-month period ending in the month indicated. For example, the 12-month ending period in June 2020 would include deaths and births occurring from July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2020. Evaluation of trends over time should compare estimates from year to year (June 2020 and June 2021), rather than month to month, to avoid overlapping time periods. In the visualization and in the accompanying data file, rates based on death counts less than 20 are suppressed in accordance with current NCHS standards of reliability for rates. Death counts between 1-9 in the data file are suppressed in accordance with National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) confidentiality standards. Provisional data presented on this page will be updated on a quarterly basis as additional records are received. Previously released estimates are revised to include data and record updates received since the previous release. As a result, the reliability of estimates for a 12-month period ending with a specific month will improve with each quarterly release and estimates for previous time periods may change as new data and updates are received.

Germany maternal mortality rate for 2023 was 4.00, a 0% increase from 2022.

<ul style='margin-top:20px;'>

<li>Germany maternal mortality rate for 2022 was <strong>4.00</strong>, a <strong>0% increase</strong> from 2021.</li>
<li>Germany maternal mortality rate for 2021 was <strong>4.00</strong>, a <strong>0% increase</strong> from 2020.</li>
<li>Germany maternal mortality rate for 2020 was <strong>4.00</strong>, a <strong>0% increase</strong> from 2019.</li>
</ul>Maternal mortality ratio is the number of women who die from pregnancy-related causes while pregnant or within 42 days of pregnancy termination per 100,000 live births. The data are estimated with a regression model using information on the proportion of maternal deaths among non-AIDS deaths in women ages 15-49, fertility, birth attendants, and GDP.

In South Sudan, Chad, and Nigeria the maternal mortality rate was above one thousand in 2020. South Sudan recorded the highest number of mothers' deaths per 100,000 live births. That year, for every 100,000 children, 1,223 mothers died from any cause related to or aggravated by pregnancy or its management. The maternal death rate in Chad equaled to 1,063. Nigeria followed with 1,047 deaths per 100,000 live births.

Estimates based on District hospital discharge data. Counts of and rates based on fewer than 10 births are suppressed for privacy reasons.

Source: Center for Policy Planning and Evaluation, DC Department of Health

Why This Matters

In recent decades, pregnancy-related deaths have risen in the United States. Although relatively rare and mostly preventable, the numbers are high relative to other high-income countries.

Leading underlying causes of pregnancy-related deaths include severe bleeding, cardiac and coronary conditions, and infections. Individual, social, and structural factors contribute to maternal death risk and trends, including maternal age, preexisting medical conditions, access to quality care, insurance, and longstanding racial and ethnic inequities.

Maternal mortality rates are disproportionately higher among birthing people who are Black, Indigenous, and people of color.

The District Response

Enhancements to District healthcare programs. Medicaid expansion provides greater access to prenatal care, extended postpartum Medicaid coverage for a full year, and reimbursement for doula services through all District programs. For a list of local and national resources on pregnancy and related topics, click here.

Paid family leave program providing 12 weeks to bond with a new child or care for a serious health condition, and 2 weeks specifically for prenatal care.

The District established the Maternal Mortality Review Committee, which investigates the causes of maternal deaths, and develops strategic frameworks to improve maternal health.

Maternal mortality ratio is defined as the number of female deaths due to obstetric causes (ICD-10 codes: A34, O00-O95, O98-O99) while pregnant or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy. The maternal mortality ratio indicates the likelihood of a pregnant person dying of obstetric causes. It is calculated by dividing the number of deaths among birthing people attributable to obstetric causes in a calendar year by the number of live births registered for the same period and is presented as a rate per 100,000 live births. The number of live births used in the denominator approximates the population of pregnant and birthing people who are at risk. Data are not presented for geographies with number of maternal deaths less than 11.Compared to other high-income countries, women in the US are more likely to die from childbirth or problems related to pregnancy. In addition, there are persistent disparities by race and ethnicity, with Black pregnant persons experiencing a much higher rate of maternal mortality compared to White pregnant persons. Improving the quality of medical care for pregnant individuals before, during, and after pregnancy can help reduce maternal deaths.For more information about the Community Health Profiles Data Initiative, please see the initiative homepage.

Norway maternal mortality rate for 2023 was 1.00, a 66.67% decline from 2022.

<ul style='margin-top:20px;'>

<li>Norway maternal mortality rate for 2022 was <strong>3.00</strong>, a <strong>50% increase</strong> from 2021.</li>
<li>Norway maternal mortality rate for 2021 was <strong>2.00</strong>, a <strong>0% increase</strong> from 2020.</li>
<li>Norway maternal mortality rate for 2020 was <strong>2.00</strong>, a <strong>0% increase</strong> from 2019.</li>
</ul>Maternal mortality ratio is the number of women who die from pregnancy-related causes while pregnant or within 42 days of pregnancy termination per 100,000 live births. The data are estimated with a regression model using information on the proportion of maternal deaths among non-AIDS deaths in women ages 15-49, fertility, birth attendants, and GDP.

Cyprus CY: Maternal Mortality Ratio: Modeled Estimate: per 100,000 Live Births data was reported at 14.000 Ratio in 2023. This records a decrease from the previous number of 53.000 Ratio for 2022. Cyprus CY: Maternal Mortality Ratio: Modeled Estimate: per 100,000 Live Births data is updated yearly, averaging 13.000 Ratio from Dec 1985 (Median) to 2023, with 39 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 98.000 Ratio in 2021 and a record low of 10.000 Ratio in 2013. Cyprus CY: Maternal Mortality Ratio: Modeled Estimate: per 100,000 Live Births data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Cyprus – Table CY.World Bank.WDI: Social: Health Statistics. Maternal mortality ratio is the number of women who die from pregnancy-related causes while pregnant or within 42 days of pregnancy termination per 100,000 live births. The data are estimated with a regression model using information on the proportion of maternal deaths among non-AIDS deaths in women ages 15-49, fertility, birth attendants, and GDP measured using purchasing power parities (PPPs).;WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, World Bank Group, and UNDESA/Population Division. Trends in maternal mortality estimates 2000 to 2023. Geneva, World Health Organization, 2025;Weighted average;This indicator represents the risk associated with each pregnancy and is also a Sustainable Development Goal Indicator (3.1.1) for monitoring maternal health.

This statistic depicts the maternal mortality rate (per 100,000 live births) for developed nations in Europe, Australia and North America in 2015. According to the data, the United States had a maternal mortality rate of 26.4, compared to Finland with a maternal mortality rate of just 3.8. The U.S. has by far the highest maternal mortality rate among developed countries.

Introduction: Maternal mortality is a critical public health issue in La Guajira, Colombia, exacerbated by socioeconomic factors and high migration rates. Despite national efforts, mortality rates in this department remain alarmingly high. Objective: To assess the risk factors associated with maternal mortality in La Guajira from 2017-2021, focusing on the impact of migration and access to healthcare services. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, correlational, and retrospective study was conducted in La Guajira (2017-2021), using extreme maternal morbidity and mortality data reported to SIVIGILA. All reported cases were included, excluding incomplete records. Data were analyzed using the Jamovi software, following ethical considerations. Results: The postpartum period showed the highest maternal mortality rate. Migrant pregnant women had twice the risk of mortality compared to non-migrant women. No significant correlation was found; rather, it should not be interpreted that time to receive care is independent of age, socioeconomic status, and area of residence. Results underscore the importance of improving postpartum monitoring and the need for early identification strategies for migrant pregnant women. The lack of knowledge about warning signs among the studied population highlights the need for educational programs. Conclusions: Maternal mortality in La Guajira is unacceptably high. Specific interventions are required, including improvements in health education and access to healthcare services, especially for migrant pregnant women.