Take action to save mothers' lives

Each year millions of women face death, serious illness and permanent disability because of complications during pregnancy and birth. In addition to risking their own health, mothers in many parts of the world also face losing their children. Last year, almost nine million children under five died, 40% of them in the first months of their lives.

The next UK government must show leadership in addressing the preventable deaths of women and children that are fundamental barriers to development.

Send an e-card to the party leaders

Mother's day card. Photo: Geoff Sayer/Oxfam

Today, and every day, 1,400 women will die needlessly in pregnancy or childbirth. I urge you to take action on maternal mortality and call for the next UK government to:

1. Increase financing for maternal, newborn and child health. Ensure the UK remains on track to spend 0.7 per cent of GDP on overseas development assistance by 2013 as promised, and enshrine this target in law.

2. Support placing maternal, newborn and child health at the heart of all health systems. The UK government should strongly discourage any promotion of users fees and support developing countries to make healthcare free at the point of use. 

3. Help make sexual and reproductive rights a reality for women and girls. Women and girls often risk death and illness because they are not able to access their rights to education, health or to live free of sexual violence. Women’s empowerment is the best way to improve their health.

Yours sincerely,

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Related information

More information about Oxfam’s campaign on maternal health

Download Oxfam's ‘Manifesto for Motherhood’