A review of maternal mortality and maternal health outcomes in Bolivia and Chile

Globally, 287,000 women die every year from pregnancy-related complications. In Latin America, despite improvements in maternal health, not all countries have been successful in reducing the rate of maternal mortality. This essay reviews existing literature regarding the maternal health situations in Bolivia and in Chile. In Bolivia, the high rate of maternal mortality is an issue of great public health significance. Chile, on the other hand, has been much more effective in reducing maternal related deaths. By providing a context of the historical, social, political, economic, and health care-related factors in these and other Latin American countries, this essay discusses interventions that have been effective in morbidity and mortality reduction, and interventions that have stalled or failed. Finally, the essay provides recommendations for future maternal health interventions in both Bolivia and Chile. If culturally appropriate maternal health and educational programs are implemented, the lives of countless women can be saved