[Multiple causes of maternal mortality related to abortion in Minas Gerais State, Brazil, 2000-2011]

This study aimed to analyze trends in maternal mortality from abortion in Minas Gerais State, Brazil, from 2000 to 2011, addressing multiple causes of death. The analysis focused on women's social and demographic characteristics, year, location, and underlying and associated causes of death. Maternal mortality ratio (MMR) and abortion-specific ratio were calculated for each year, as well as Spearman's correlation coefficient (p < 0.05), to assess the trend in ratios during the study period. One hundred and eighty-three deaths from abortion were recorded, accounting for 15% of maternal deaths, and MMR remained stable. The ratio between multiple causes and underlying cause of death from abortion was 1.38. Use of the multiple-causes method proved effective for lending greater visibility to abortion. Problems deriving from the illegality of abortion in Brazil favor the appearance of causes that mask maternal deaths, in addition to their underreporting. Inter-sector actions are thus necessary to define strategies for reducing social inequalities and improving the quality of services for women.