Maternal Mortality in France: Recent Trends and Current Challenges: Key Findings from the Confidential National Survey on Maternal Deaths, 2013–2015

The 6th report of the National Confidential Survey on Maternal Deaths (ENCMM) provides insights into the incidence, risk factors, causes, adequacy of care, and preventability of maternal deaths that occurred in France between 2013 and 2015. While the overall maternal mortality ratio (MMR) remains stable, the profile of causes is changing: mortality from obstetric hemorrhage continues to decline; cardiovascular diseases and suicides have become the two most common causes of maternal death. This profile highlights new priorities, underscoring that maternal health is not limited to the obstetric sphere, as well as the importance of prevention and health education for expectant mothers. The report shows the persistence of social and geographic inequalities in maternal mortality. These inequalities particularly affect the overseas departments and regions (DROM): 1 in 7 maternal deaths occurs in the DROMs, and the maternal mortality rate is more than three times higher than in metropolitan France (32 versus 9.5 deaths per 100,000 live births). Excess mortality among migrant women remains a reality: 2.5 times that of women born in France.

Author(s): Saucedo Monica, Almeras Aude, Gomes Eugênia, Deneux-Tharaux Catherine

Publishing year: 2023

Pages: 44-52

Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin, 2023, n° 3-4, p. 44-52

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