Download

Maternal Mortality in Low Income Households in Lahore, Pakistan

Maternal mortality is defined as “the death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, irrespective of the duration and site of the pregnancy, from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management but not from accidental or incidental causes.” According to the UNFPA, Pakistan has one of the highest maternal mortality ratios in South Asia. One of the major reasons for this is the lack of attention paid to women’s maternal health. Studies have shown that women living in poverty are the least likely to receive adequate health care and hence are at a greater risk of maternal mortality.

A quantitative study was undertaken with 23 women who had a monthly household income of less than Rs. 25,000. Under the supervision of project leads at the Centre for Human Rights, students from the Human Rights Clinic at Universal College Lahore were involved in conducting literature review, devising a structured questionnaire, and getting the surveys filled. The data collected was analyzed to identify the common hurdles experienced by women in receiving adequate health care during pregnancy that exposes them to a greater risk of maternal mortality. Based on this, recommendations were made in order for women to have safer and healthier pregnancy experiences that reduce the chances of maternal mortality, and for Pakistan to fulfil its commitment to achieve its targets as set out in the Sustainable Development Goals.

Principal researcher: Seher Aftab
Student researchers: Rida Nasir, Kainat Nawaz, Mahnum Hasnain, Shahbano Ali

Download
Publication
Gender-based Violence
Jun 2019
Maternal Mortality in Low Income Households in Lahore, Pakistan

Maternal mortality is defined as “the death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, irrespective of the duration and site of the pregnancy, from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management but not from accidental or incidental causes.” According to the UNFPA, Pakistan has one of the highest maternal mortality ratios in South Asia. One of the major reasons for this is the lack of attention paid to women’s maternal health. Studies have shown that women living in poverty are the least likely to receive adequate health care and hence are at a greater risk of maternal mortality.

A quantitative study was undertaken with 23 women who had a monthly household income of less than Rs. 25,000. Under the supervision of project leads at the Centre for Human Rights, students from the Human Rights Clinic at Universal College Lahore were involved in conducting literature review, devising a structured questionnaire, and getting the surveys filled. The data collected was analyzed to identify the common hurdles experienced by women in receiving adequate health care during pregnancy that exposes them to a greater risk of maternal mortality. Based on this, recommendations were made in order for women to have safer and healthier pregnancy experiences that reduce the chances of maternal mortality, and for Pakistan to fulfil its commitment to achieve its targets as set out in the Sustainable Development Goals.

Principal researcher: Seher Aftab
Student researchers: Rida Nasir, Kainat Nawaz, Mahnum Hasnain, Shahbano Ali

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Related works

View All Works

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence 2019

In 2019, CFHR's first 16 Days of Activism campaign included a HeForShe drive with 291 commitments and a social media campaign debunking rape myths. These initiatives advanced gender justice in Pakistan by mobilizing young leaders and fostering crucial conversations.

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence 2019

Gender-based Violence

CFHR champions gender justice by combating gender-based violence through impactful research & policy advocacy driving systemic reform, community awareness & education initiatives empowering individuals with knowledge of their rights, and targeted capacity building & legal support to strengthen justice systems for survivors.

Gender-based Violence

Thematic Clinic on Gender-Based Violence (2018-2019)

In 2018, CFHR and Arizona State University launched a clinic on gender-based violence in Pakistan, equipping students with research and advocacy skills.  Students focused on maternal mortality, the two-finger test, economic costs of violence, and transgender rights, culminating in policy briefs and a visit to Mahidol University in Thailand.

Thematic Clinic on Gender-Based Violence (2018-2019)

The Convergence of Financial Violence and Polygamy in Pakistan

Financial violence in Pakistan, often exacerbated by polygamy, deprives women of financial autonomy and leaves them vulnerable. Societal pressures and legal loopholes further hinder their ability to escape this abuse.

The Convergence of Financial Violence and Polygamy in Pakistan

Local Action, Global Impact

We work across Pakistan, driving legal reform, advocacy, and policy change to protect human rights and empower communities.

Our Work
Our Partners