Obstetricians call for N.B. to better track maternal deaths

Canada’s maternal mortality ratio increased from about nine to 11 deaths per 100,000 births over the last two decades. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada believes the true rate is probably higher as maternity can be an indirect cause of death in cases of postpartum depression leading to suicide, intimate partner violence or addictions. It says those stats aren’t captured well. The Society is urging provinces and the federal government to collaborate on a data collection system that identifies all deaths, near deaths and severe illnesses related to pregnancy.