AI in the maternal healthcare crucible: transforming pregnancy outcomes in West Bengal, India

West Bengal, home to over 90 million people, faces persistent maternal healthcare challenges despite progress in reducing its Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) to 109 per 100,000 live births (SRS, 2018-20). Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers transformative potential to address disparities in rural-urban access, high-risk pregnancy detection, antenatal care (ANC) adherence, and resource allocation. This article synthesizes evidence on AI-driven innovations in maternal health, contextualized within West Bengal’s socio-economic landscape, and highlights pathways for equitable implementation.