Evolution of Maternal Mortality in Argentina and Paraguay Between 1990 and 2015; Public Policies, Inequalities and Challenges

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to analyze and compare the evolution and current situation of maternal mortality in Argentina and Paraguay, review the measures of public policies that each country has taken and pose the challenges to achieve for the reduction of maternal deaths. Descriptive techniques and comparative analysis are applied based on data from statistical yearbooks published by the Ministries of Health of both countries. The study concludes that the death of a woman due to causes related to pregnancy, childbirth or puerperium is a serious problem in Paraguay, whose magnitude doubles the values registered in Argentina. In the border area of both countries, mortality levels acquire similar values evidencing an inequitable distribution of maternal deaths on the surface. Paraguay, despite having a greater legal and programmatic deployment than Argentina, should consider, in addition to the direct causes, the social and economic obstacles.