Maternal Mortality in Brazil

This study analyzes maternal mortality in Brazil from 2000 to 2017 to evidence that maternal deaths express a set of historical social inequalities in the country. It uses data from the Information Department of the Brazilian Unified Health System (a number of maternal deaths by year, considering race/ethnicity, education, and region variables) as documentary research. Descriptive statistics of the time series from 2000 until 2017 were used for data analysis. The results indicate that, in Brazil, maternal mortality impacts in higher proportion the indigenous and Black women, illiterate women, or women lacking education (1 to 3 years of school education). Regarding regional inequalities, the North and Northeast regions have a higher incidence of maternal mortality ratio. These inequalities are based on complex problems such as poverty, racism, illiteracy, and difficult accessibility to healthcare services. The social policies implemented in Brazil – during the years covered in this study – for the reduction of maternal mortality have been narrow and insufficient while not focusing on the structural problem: the reduction of social inequalities that are correlated to maternal deaths. The findings in this study point out that contrary to what the country has done in recent years, it is necessary to create, increase, and empower public policies directed toward specific population segments to correct the historical failures that deepen social, racial, and gender inequalities in the country.