The UN has reported an increase in maternal mortality in Ukraine among pregnant women during the full-scale war. From 2023 to 2024, it rose by almost 40%.

Source: France24, citing the UN Population Fund (UNFPA)

Details: UNFPA data shows that despite a decrease in the number of newborns, maternal mortality increased from 18.9 to 25.9 deaths per 100,000 live births between 2023 and 2024, equivalent to 37%.

The proportion of pregnant women experiencing severe complications also grew. Cases of uterine rupture rose by 44%, while hypertension increased by 12%.

The rate of C-sections was also high, with some frontline regions recording one of the highest rates in Europe.

"Our latest analysis shows a sharp deterioration in maternal health across Ukraine, with more women at risk of dying and more pregnancies ending in life-threatening complications," said Florence Bauer, UNFPA's Regional Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia. "These are not abstract statistics – they are people and families living under unbearable stress and reflect a health system under attack."

The fund sounded the alarm after Russian forces damaged a maternity hospital in the city of Kherson on 4 December, which it supports.

According to UNFPA, since the start of the full-scale invasion, the Russians have damaged or destroyed more than 80 maternity and neonatal centres. In total, over 2,760 healthcare facilities have come under attack.

UNFPA noted that such attacks "force women to give birth in increasingly dangerous conditions".

"Safe childbirth must be protected even in war, and international humanitarian law is clear: health facilities, health workers and humanitarian access must never be targeted," Bauer added.

Background: UN data shows that from 2000 to 2023, maternal mortality worldwide fell by 40%. However, there is a risk of serious regression due to reduced humanitarian aid.

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