Maternal death rates in Australia have been declining, according
to a report released today by the Australian Institute of Health
and Welfare.
Maternal Deaths in Australia 1997-99 shows 90 maternal
deaths were reported over the three year period 1997-99. Although
not as low as observed in 1991-93, the 1997-99 results represent a
return to the steady decline in evidence since the 1960s.
'But these results are no reason for complacency,' said
Associate Professor James King, who chairs the Institute's Advisory
Committee on Maternal Mortality.
'There were 34 deaths resulting directly from obstetric
complications, the most common of which were obstetric haemorrhage
and amniotic fluid embolism. Avoidable factors were possibly or
certainly present in almost half of these direct deaths, and in 36%
of the deaths overall.'
'Evidence-based clinical guidelines are available for prevention
and management of several of the major obstetric complications, and
these should be uniformly used in Australian maternity
institutions,' Professor King said.
'The accepted international measure of maternal mortality is the
Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR), based on direct and indirect
deaths, but not those incidental deaths due to events such as road
accidents.
'Australia's MMR of 8.2 compares with 11.4 in the UK over the
same period,' Professor King noted, 'although the MMR for
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women remains some three
times higher than for other women in Australia.'
Professor King also noted that many maternal deaths had not been
referred to coroners, with only 59% of direct deaths and 54% of
indirect deaths being the subject of coronial inquests.
Professor King pointed out that efforts were continuing to
improve data collection on maternal death in all states and
territories.
'With such small numbers of deaths, it is essential that we
learn as much as we can from each one, so that giving birth in
Australia becomes even safer than at present.'
12 August 2004
Further information: James King, tel. 03 9616
2694 or mobile 0419 720 281.
For media copies of the report: Publications
Officer, AIHW, tel. 02 6244 1032.
Availability: Check the AIHW
Publications Catalogue for availability of Maternal Deaths
in Australia 1997-99, August 2004.