## Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) Definition **Key Point:** MMR is defined as the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in a given year, as standardized by WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, and the World Bank. ### Standard Definition MMR measures the risk of death from any cause related to or aggravated by pregnancy or its management (excluding accidental or incidental causes) during pregnancy, childbirth, or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, irrespective of the outcome of the pregnancy. ### Why Per 100,000 Live Births? - MMR is a **ratio**, not a rate - The denominator is 100,000 live births (not 1,000 as in IMR) - This larger denominator is used because maternal deaths are rarer than infant deaths - Allows for better precision in international comparisons ### India's MMR Context - Current MMR: approximately 97 per 100,000 live births (2019–2021, SRS) - Target under SDG: < 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030 - Significant variation by state: Kerala (~46), Uttar Pradesh (~197) - Reduction from 254 (2004–2006) to 97 (2019–2021) shows progress **High-Yield:** MMR uses **100,000 live births** as the denominator, whereas IMR uses **1,000 live births**. This is a critical distinction in vital statistics. ### Related Indicators | Indicator | Denominator | Definition | |-----------|-------------|------------| | **MMR** | Per 100,000 live births | Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births | | **Maternal Mortality Rate (MMRate)** | Per 100,000 women aged 15–49 | Maternal deaths per 100,000 WRA | | **IMR** | Per 1,000 live births | Infant deaths per 1,000 live births | | **Crude Death Rate** | Per 1,000 population | Deaths per 1,000 population | **Mnemonic:** **MMR = 100K** (maternal deaths per 100,000 live births) — the larger denominator reflects the rarity of maternal deaths compared to infant deaths.
Sign up free to access AI-powered MCQ practice with detailed explanations and adaptive learning.