MATERNITY DEATHS

Grey River Argus, 10 August 1935, Page 7

MATERNITY DEATHS

DECREASE IN N.Z. Abortion Mortality Alarming (Per Press 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 Sir Alexander Young, Minister of Health, speaking at Masterion tonight. Up to 1927 the death rat** from risks of pregnancy and childbirth per 1000 ive births was high, both absolutely ond also in comparison with other countries. The GovernTiient sin; iieian was able to state that in I'.*. (the later figures for oversea- countries not being available) of th«* following eight comparable countin' Holland 3 point 02, New Zealand 4 point 00. England and Wales 4 point 21, Trish 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 puerp.*ni . nu<os the only country with, a lower tate being Holland, which for many year ha<l held the premier position with regard in maternal welfare, having a remarkably low maternal death rate. Up to 1927 the high maternal death rate of New Zealand was ■ number of deaths from puerperal sepsis, following childbirth. the average being over 50 per taken by the Health Department, ably seconded by the 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. Tn 1932 New Zealand he'd the 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 death 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 life was due. not td 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 by the Health Department alone, who require and earnestly desire the co-operation of the societies of women who are narticu arly concerned with women's social welfare. Septic abortion is not an obstetrical problem. It is a social problem, and it should be taken up by the women’s societies.”