[Maternal mortality in 1983. A propos of our experiences at Saint-Antoine]

The maternal mortality rate is approximately 3 per 10,000 in France. This figure is not insignificant and merits further consideration. Mortality has decreased at intervals over the course of history, depending upon certain factors such as maternal age, ethnic origin, the country in which the delivery takes place, economic conditions, the delivery setting, etc. The statistic of 1 death per 10,000 live births has been obtained by several countries and is difficult to ameliorate. Certain sudden, unexpected deaths will continue to occur despite adequate care and irrespective of whether or not they are due to a prior disease process. By studying the frequency and etiologies of these deaths, a recurring set of circumstances can often be identified, the caesarian section being of foremost importance. The mortality rate, then, appears to be a good indication of the quality of care delivered by a country or by an obstetrical department.