Maternal Mortality Ratio in Canada
UN 2030 Agenda ensures sustainable health improvements worldwide and also serves as a measure of overall health system performance. One of UN goals is to support SDG 3.1 which aim to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100 000 live births.
For decades, Canada has been known for its world-class healthcare system. But when we visualize the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR), the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births leads to a surprising trend emerges. Instead of declining, maternal deaths have risen steadily over the past twenty years, even before COVID-19 struck.
The time series reveals a striking pattern:
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In 2000, Canada recorded its lowest MMR.
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By 2020, the ratio had climbed to 16.65, before slightly falling to 13.58 in 2021.
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This spike coincides with pandemic-related healthcare disruptions, yet the broader upward trend began long before COVID-19.
The broader upward trend points to more systemic shifts and several underlying factors may help explain this pattern. First, enhancements in data systems and maternal health surveillance (particularly after 2010) likely improved the accuracy of maternal death classification, leading to more comprehensive reporting. Second, demographically Canadian women are increasingly delaying childbirth and advanced maternal age (35 and above) is associated with greater likelihood of complications such as hypertension, gestational diabetes, and cesarean-related risks. Third, the rising prevalence of obesity among women of reproductive age has introduced additional obstetric challenges. Together, these factors suggest that even in resource-rich contexts, evolving demographic and health trends can drive higher maternal risk, underscoring the need for proactive, data-informed maternal care strategies.
When visualized globally, Canada’s upward trend contrasts with the steady declines in many developing countries. The gap reminds us that wealth alone does not guarantee maternal safety, policy vigilance and data-informed care do.
Despite technological and medical advances, Canada’s rising maternal mortality highlights a critical truth: progress in healthcare is not linear. Data-driven vigilance, continuous system evaluation, and addressing social determinants of health are essential to ensure that every mother’s life counts.