Global maternal deaths fell to 240,000 in 2023, but more than 100 countries still fall short of the global maternal mortality target as progress slows worldwide

Key takeaways

• The maternal mortality ratio in 2023 remained nearly three times higher than the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 3.1 for 2030.
• New estimates through 2023 show global maternal mortality progress slowed between 2015 and 2023 compared with 2000–2015.
• Maternal hemorrhage and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy together account for more than 40% of maternal deaths globally, highlighting the need for improved access to quality maternal care.