Question

The chart above measures the maternal mortality rate (MMR) for different regions. The bar circled in red represents industrialized nations. What are some possible explanations for the low MMR of industrialized nations?

Answer 1

Industrialized nations have numerous societal and economic advantages that are not available to underdeveloped nations. Most industrialized nations have the most current technology, highly educated healthcare professionals, routine exposure to prenatal care, and the presence of a healthcare worker at birth to handle any complications. Citizens of industrialized nations also are comparatively more financially equipped to utilize these resources. Finally, both mothers and healthcare professionals have regular access to education that allows for a successful birth.

Answer 2

A maternal death (as cited in International Classification of Disease or ICD-10, [WHO, 1992]) 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, and can stem from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management, but not from accidental or incidental causes.