May 9, 2025
Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR)
Why in News? The Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) in India has shown a gradual decline, as per the latest data from the Office of the Registrar-General and Census Commissioner of India. Released in 2025, the data highlights India’s progress in reducing maternal deaths, a critical indicator of reproductive health, while identifying regional and age-specific challenges. This aligns with global efforts under the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to lower MMR to less than 70 per 100,000 live births.
Relevance : UPSC Pre & Mains
Prelims : MMR/ Registrar-General and Census Commissioner
Mains : GS 1 – Social Issues/ GS Paper II (Governance and Social Justice)
Key Points of the News:
MMR Decline: India’s MMR decreased to 93 per lakh live births in 2019-21 from 97 in 2018-20 and 103 in 2017-19.
Age Group Trends: Highest MMR in the 20-29 age group, followed by the 30-34 age group.
High MMR States: States with elevated MMR include Madhya Pradesh: 175, Assam: 167, Uttar Pradesh: 151, Odisha: 135, Chhattisgarh: 132, West Bengal: 109, and Haryana: 106.
Data Source: Estimates derived from the Sample Registration System, one of India’s largest demographic surveys.
MMR Definition: Number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births during a given period, reflecting reproductive health status.
Global Context: UN SDGs target reducing global MMR to below 70 per 100,000 live births.
Maternal Death Definition: Death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of pregnancy termination, due to pregnancy-related causes, per WHO.
Global Statistics: In 2023, over 700 women died daily from preventable pregnancy-related causes, with a 40% global MMR decline since 2000.
Regional Disparity: Over 90% of maternal deaths in 2023 occurred in low- and lower-middle-income countries.
| About the Registrar-General and Census Commissioner of India:
Establishment and Role:
Key Functions: Census Operations: Conducts the Population Census every 10 years (e.g., 2011, next in 2021 but delayed), collecting data on population, literacy, gender, occupation, and socio-economic indicators. Vital Statistics: Oversees the Civil Registration System (CRS) for registering births and deaths, ensuring legal documentation and data for policymaking. Sample Registration System (SRS): Manages one of India’s largest demographic surveys to estimate fertility and mortality rates, including MMR, providing robust data for health and development planning. National Population Register (NPR): Maintains a database of residents for identity verification and security purposes, updated during census activities.
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Prevention: Care by skilled health professionals before, during, and after childbirth can significantly reduce maternal and newborn deaths.
| About MMR:
· Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) is defined as the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births during a given time period. · It measures the reproductive health of women in a region and reflects the risk of death associated with pregnancy and childbirth.
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