[Forensic medical aspect of the maternal mortality problem]

The relevance of maternal mortality estimation in the context of forensic medical examination is emphasized. Results of the qualitative analysis of the materials of such examinations undertaken with regard to the issue of maternal mortality (MM) in 2000-2007 are presented. Examples of diagnostic failure are considered as a cause of deficient medical attendance in gynecological and obstetric practice and in the treatment of iatrogenic (instrumental) complications during and after endotracheal intubation.