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15
MATERNAL MORTALITY.
The rate per 1,000 total births was 4.9 in 1931, as compared
with 4.0 the previous year.
Number of women dying in, or in consequence of, Child
Birth:—
(a). From Sepsis, 3 ; (b). Other causes, 1.
In England and Wales during the past 30 years there has
been a substantial reduction in the general death rate and the
infantile mortality rate, but the rate for maternal deaths has
continued to remain at the relatively constant figure of 4 deaths
per 1,000 births.
In June, 1928, the Minister of Health appointed a Departmental
Committee on Maternal Mortality and Morbidity, chosen
from medical experts with special experience, to throughly investigate
the whole question. In July, 1930, the Committee published
an Interim Report which has brought into prominence many new
facts and conclusions in regard to the subject.
During the two years the Committee investigated some 2,000
deaths of women in child birth and were of the opinion that there
were four primary avoidable causes in the train of events which
led to a fatal issue.
(i). Absence of ante-natal care contributed to 17 % of the
deaths.
(ii). Errors of judgment in practice or treatment contributed a
further 17 % of deaths.
(iii.). Lack of reasonable facilities available for effective medical
care, 5 %.
(iv.). Negligence of the patient, or her friends, to adopt or carry
out the medical advice offered, 9 %.
Thus not less than 48 % of the total deaths from child birth
into which inquiry was made seemed to the Committee to have
been avoidable.