Commenting on the International Development Select Committee’s report on ‘Maternal Health’, Liberal Democrat Shadow International Development Secretary, Michael Moore said:

“Having just honoured Mothers’ Day it is only right to reflect on the Committee’s shocking conclusion that up to one million pregnant women in the developing world die unnecessarily every year.

“It is atrocious that unsafe abortion accounts for a third of maternal deaths, and it is clear that DfID and other international donors must use their influence to secure access to contraception and safe abortion services in the developing world.

“Maternal mortality is not an isolated health issue, but is interlinked with poor women’s rights and low access to education. Tackling it will require a comprehensive strategy which addresses not only the health issues, but the poor standing of women and education of girls in many developing countries.”