The aim of this study is, first, to trace the epidemiological profile of maternal mortality in the State of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) during the period from 1977 to 1987 and, second, to contribute to the planning of strategies for reducing maternal morbi-mortality in that context. With the purpose of identifying risk factors, the maternal mortality rate, its prospective trends, and its distribution according to age group, causes and location are compared to the same factors in other States of Brazil and other countries. In the State of Rio de Janeiro, the maternal mortality rate is 5.0 to 11.1 per 10,000 live births with a decreasing trend at present, despite having stabilized in the last few years. The main causes of death - hypertensive disease in pregnancy, haemorrhage and abortion - and the risk groups involved are identified and analysed. Within this framework, it is suggested that investments in the improvement of women's health services in general, health care during pregnancy and childbirth and puerperal care would represent not only a feasible but also a highly effective focus of action, depending solely on political decision by policy-makers.
Mortality; Maternal Mortality; Women's Health
