Counting every loss, acting on every risk

A stillbirth can have profound and lasting consequences for mothers, in some cases, it could even persist for a lifetime. This underscores the longstanding recognition in international human rights law and standards that pregnancy and motherhood warrant special protection and support. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) entitles motherhood to special care and assistance,1 and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (1979) requires equal access to care and nutrition in pregnancy.