Abstract:
Evidence-based data suggests that most maternal deaths are preventable. A significant proportion of these deaths is not solely a biological
occurrence; they result from the denial of women’s rights, including lack of
freedom and respect. Accessibility and availability of quality family planning and abortion services are key determinants of maternal mortality in
low-income countries. We conducted a narrative synthesis study analyzing
publications from 1990 to 2021 concerning women’s reproductive rights
and their impact on maternal mortality. The initial search returned 103
articles, from which 76 eligible papers were selected. The mere availability
of medical services in states does not guarantee access by women if these services lack physical, economic, cultural accessibility or are unacceptable to women or their families within national health systems. Consequently, this inability to access services hinders the reduction of maternal
morbidity and mortality. Despite states’ efforts to organize health systems
and improve the performance of medical services, the Millennium Development Goals were not achieved. This failure can be attributed, in part,
to women’s lack of access to services due to human rights violations. Ensuring respect for human rights is a key intervention in reducing maternal
mortality and enhancing maternal health. The growing international and
regional concern about maternal mortality and morbidity highlights the
need to recognize that reducing maternal mortality and morbidity depends
not only on the development of health systems but also on the realization of
human rights, particularly in maternal health. Acknowledging this reality
will lead to the development of new measures to reduce maternal mortality
and improve maternal health.
