What can be done to reduce maternal mortality?
Preventing maternal death is not only a health priority but a matter of human rights and social justice, it requires coordinated, long-term efforts. Actions are needed within families and communities, in society as a whole, in health systems, and at the level of national legislation and policy. A supportive social, economic, and legislative environment allows women to overcome the various obstacles that limit their access to health care. Particular attention should be paid to the nutritional and educational needs of girls and women, broadening the scope for women to make decisions about the number and timing of children, all pregnant women should have access to a family planning services; a quality antenatal care, a skilled attendant at the time of delivery and to the necessary care for obstetric complications when they arise. In Islamic and Arabic countries reductions in maternal mortality can be achieved primarily by improving the position of women in society rather than by raising t