Maternal Mortality in Slovakia in the Years 2007–2023

Abstract Objective Analysis of maternal mortality and identification of risk factors for maternal deaths in Slovakia in the years 2007–2023. Methods Retrospective population-based descriptive analysis of maternal mortality from 2007 to 2023 based on the International Classification of Diseases—Maternal Mortality 10th edition (ICD-MM). Selected demographic characteristics were analysed, and statistical data from official sources and the enhanced surveillance system were compared. Results From 2007 to 2023, there were 940 351 live births and 109 maternal deaths in Slovakia, resulting in a maternal mortality ratio (MMR) of 11.6 per 100 000 live births. Indirect causes of maternal deaths predominated (52 deaths, MMR 5.5 per 100 000 live births) over direct causes (45 deaths, MMR 4.8 per 100 000 live births). The most common causes of death were cardiovascular diseases (22.0%), amniotic fluid embolism (11.0%), viral infections (10.1%), obstetrics haemorrhage (8.3%) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, childbirth and puerperium (8.3%). Ten (9.2%) of all deaths were coincidental. The lowest MMR was observed in women aged 20–24 years (3.8), and the highest over 35 years (28.7) per 100 000 live births. Vital maternal mortality data were underreported by 69.7% compared to enhanced surveillance system data. Conclusion The findings highlight the critical importance of improving healthcare infrastructure, access to quality maternal care, and timely interventions to prevent maternal deaths. Addressing the underreporting of maternal deaths and ensuring accurate data collection are crucial to understanding the true scope of the issue and identifying areas for improvement.