http://www.halftheskymovement.org/campaigns/maternal-mortality Maternal Mortality Risk may not be the first thing that many associate with pregnancy, often considered a joyous experience. But for too many women, especially in the developing world, pregnancy and childbirth can pose serious health risks. For some, it can even serve as a death sentence. Around 1,000 women die from pregnancy- or childbirth-related complications globally every day, according to the World Health Organization. That's one every 90 seconds. Some 99 percent of maternal deaths occur in poor countries, particularly in Africa and Asia. The most common way to measure these deaths is the maternal mortality ratio (MMR), which is the number of maternal deaths for every 100,000 live births. For women in developed countries the average is only 14 maternal deaths for every 100,000 live births. Compare this to developing countries, where the average MMR is 290 deaths for 100,000 births. In sub-Saharan Africa it's even worse, at 900. The risk is highest for young women under 15, and those living in rural areas and poorer and less educated communities. More pregnancies can also increase the chances of dying. Since those in developing countries have on average more pregnancies than women in developed countries, this adds to their lifetime risk. For example, the risk of dying in childbirth in sub-Saharan Africa is 1 in 22, while in the United States it's 1 in 4,800. Some of the leading causes of maternal deaths are severe bleeding, infections, eclampsia, obstructed labor and unsafe abortions. And for every woman who dies in childbirth, at least 10 more suffer serious injuries such as fistulas and tearing. But most of these deaths are avoidable, since the solutions for preventing or treating these health problems are well known. Getting adequate care before, during and after childbirth can mean the difference between life and death for a woman. As can understanding and dealing with some of the socioeconomic and cultural issues that can contribute to maternal deaths, such as lack of education and gender discrimination. Not enough resources are being dedicated to address the lack of medical accessibility and care for pregnant women worldwide. Americans today spend on maternal health less than one-twentieth of a percent of the amount we spend on our military. Learn more about how you can make a difference at halftheskymovement.org. About the Series http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/half-the-sky/ Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide - Premiering October 1-2, 2012 Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide is a landmark transmedia project featuring a four-hour PBS primetime national and international broadcast event, a Facebook-hosted social action game, mobile games, two interactive websites, educational video modules with companion text, and an impact assesment plan all inspired by Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide, the widely acclaimed book by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn. The series follows Kristof, WuDunn, and six celebrity activists including Diane Lane, America Ferrera, Olivia Wilde, and Nicole Kidman as they travel to nine countries and meet inspiring, courageous individuals. Across the globe oppression is being confronted, and real meaningful solutions are being fashioned through health care, education, and economic empowerment for women and girls. Embedded in the linked problems of sex trafficking and forced prostitution, gender-based violence, and maternal mortality — which still needlessly claims one woman every 90 seconds — is the single most vital opportunity of our time — and all over the world, women are seizing it. Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide website http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/half-the-sky/ Half the Sky movement website http://www.halftheskymovement.org/ Women and Girls Lead http://womenandgirlslead.org/ Learn more about "Independent Lens": http://www.pbs.org/independentlens --

• published: 28 Jun 2012
• views: 3933