MATERNAL MORTALITY

Greymouth Evening Star, 10 August 1935, Page 7

MATERNAL MORTALITY

GOOD AND BAD DEVELOPMENTS [FEB PRESS ASSOCIATION.] MASTERTON, August 9. A marked reduction in the number of maternal deaths in New Zealand during the past year is a reason for satisfaction, and justifies optimism for the future, said Sir Alexander Young, Minister of Health, speaking at Masterton to-night. Up to 1927, he said, the death rate from risks of pregnancy aud childbirth per 1000 live births was high, both absolutely and also in comparison with other countries. The (government Statistician was able to 'state than in 1932 (the later figures for'overseas countries not being available) of the following eight comparable countries —Holland 3 point 02, New Zealand 4 point 06, England and Wales 4 point 21, Irish Free State 4 point 55, Canada 5 point 05, United States 5 point 57, Australia 5 point 57, and Scotland 6 point 33—New Zealand had the second lowest maternal mortality from all puerperal causes the only country with a lower rate being Holland, which for many years had held the premier position with regard to maternal welfare, having a remarkably low maternal death rate. Up to 1927 the high maternal death rate of New Zealand was mainly due to a large number of deaths from puerperal sepsis, following child-birth, the average being over 50 per annum. Due to measures taken ,by the Health Department, ably seconded by tlie medical and nursing professions of New Zealand, the number of deaths from this cause had been reduced year by year, until in the last three years, the average number of deaths had been fifteen. In 1932 New Zealand held tlie proud position of having the lowest death rate from this cause of eight countries mentioned. “It is, however, a matter of concern,” said the Minister, “that since 1928, the number of deaths from septic abortion has risen to most alarming proportions. Prior to this date, the total number was approximately fourteen per year. Last year the number was 42. and of these 29 were married women. This appalling sacrifice of hie due not to the risks of reproduction, but to the risks of limiting reproduction, is a social, as opposed to a medical, problem. It cannot be dealt with bv the Health Department alone, who require and earnestly desire the co-operation of the societies of women who are particularly concerned with women’s social welfare. Septic aboition is not an obstetrical problem. It Is a social problem, and it should bo taken up by the women’s societies.