The American Society for Reproductive Medicine designates April 11 as Safe Motherhood Day every year. National Safe Motherhood Day was developed by the White Ribbon Alliance India launched in 1999 to guarantee that pregnant women, new mothers, and their families have access to appropriate prenatal, delivery, and postnatal care. Because of India’s high maternal mortality rate, the country accounts for more than a quarter of all maternal deaths worldwide.
In the vast majority of situations, maternal deaths can be avoided. Women who have access to healthcare may be able to prevent or address problems before they occur. Pregnant women, as well as those who have recently given birth, should be aware of the importance of seeking medical help.
National Safe Motherhood Day 2022: History
This day was established by WRAI to create awareness among Indian women about excellent healthcare practices and the availability of various healthcare programmes for expecting and new moms, as well as those who are postpartum.
In response to a recommendation by WRAI, the Indian government named Kasturba Gandhi’s birthday, April 11, as National Safe Motherhood Day in 2003. She was Mahatma Gandhi’s wife and a national hero. Each year, WRAI chooses the theme for National Safe Motherhood Day.
National Safe Motherhood Day 2022: Significance
It is vital to provide “safe motherhood” in order to safeguard the safety and health of all women during pregnancy and delivery. India is responsible for 15% of all maternity-related deaths worldwide. Each year, 44,000 women in India die as a result of pregnancy-related causes. Despite the fact that more than 80% of women give birth in hospitals, the mortality rate remains high. COVID-19’s outbreak has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
All pregnant moms, whether or not they have been infected with COVID-19, should have access to high-quality care.
National Safe Motherhood Day 2022: Government Initiatives
The government has previously taken a number of steps to ensure that women have a safe pregnancy. The JSSK campaign was launched in 2011 to encourage women who still prefer to give birth at home to consider having their babies in a hospital.
As a result of the programme, all pregnant women are entitled to free prenatal care and delivery at public health facilities, including caesarean sections. There are also free tests, free blood, and free medications and supplies, as well as a three-day standard delivery diet and a seven-day C-section diet. JSSK also provides free transportation to and from school. These benefits are also available to pregnant women who are experiencing prenatal and postnatal complications.
National Safe Motherhood Day 2022: Theme
“Remain at home amid corona virus, protect mother and newborn safe from corona virus,” is the topic of this year’s Safe Motherhood Day programmes. The members of WRAI chose a new issue each year to create awareness and conduct large-scale campaigns across India. These efforts are aimed at guaranteeing that every pregnant woman has the right to live and can do so without jeopardizing her own or her unborn child’s lives.
National Safe Motherhood Day 2022: Important Facts
- Every day, approximately 830 women are killed as a result of pregnancy and childbirth complications.
- Maternal mortality rates in poorer countries are 99 percent higher.
- Maternal mortality rates among women are higher in rural and disadvantaged areas.
- Pregnancy complications and mortality are more prevalent among young men and women than among women of childbearing age.
- When it comes to saving the lives of mothers and their newborns, the importance of expert care before, during, and after delivery cannot be overstated.
- Maternal mortality rates decreased by roughly 44 percent between 1990 and 2015.
- The Sustainable Development Goals require that the global maternal mortality rate be reduced to far less than 70 per 100,000 babies born between 2016 and 2030.
National Safe Motherhood Day 2022: Quotes
- “Mother is the name for God in the lips and hearts of little children”- William Makepeace Thackeray
- “Mother is the heartbeat in the home; and without her, there seems to be no heartthrob”- Leroy Brownlow
- “Motherhood has a very humanizing effect. Everything gets reduced to essentials”- Meryl Streep
- “It is not until you become a mother that your judgment slowly turns to compassion and understanding”- Erma Bombeck
- “A mother’s love for her child is like nothing else in the world”- Agatha Christie