Reducing Maternal Mortality in Mexico
Author Information
Author(s): Hu Delphine, Bertozzi Stefano M., Gakidou Emmanuela, Sweet Steve, Goldie Sue J.
Primary Institution: Harvard School of Public Health
Hypothesis
What are the costs and benefits of interventions to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality in Mexico?
Conclusion
Increasing access to family planning and safe abortion can significantly reduce maternal mortality and is cost-effective.
Supporting Evidence
- The model predicted a maternal mortality ratio of 85, closely matching the WHO estimate for Mexico.
- Upgrading to the WHO Mother Baby Package standard of care could reduce maternal deaths from 175 to 92 per 100,000 women.
- A combined approach of increasing family planning and ensuring access to safe abortion reduced mortality by 43%.
Takeaway
This study shows that helping women plan their pregnancies and providing safe abortion can save lives and money.
Methodology
A computer-based model was used to simulate the natural history of pregnancy and assess health and economic outcomes of various strategies.
Limitations
Data gaps and variable quality of available information may have led to underestimations of the burden of disease.
Participant Demographics
Cohort of 15-year-old women followed over their lifetime.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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