Mon Sep 08 14:28:43 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

A recent Sample Registration System (SRS) report for 2021-23 indicates a steep rise in Kerala’s maternal mortality ratio (MMR), jumping from 18 to 30 per one lakh live births. While Kerala shares the lowest MMR title nationally with Andhra Pradesh, health officials attribute this increase to a combination of COVID-19 related maternal deaths in 2021 and, more significantly, the state’s rapidly declining birth rate. Despite efforts to maintain safe motherhood practices, the steady number of maternal deaths coupled with the falling number of live births is inflating the MMR, reflecting challenges in addressing complications arising from changing social profiles and higher maternal age.

**News Article:**

**Kerala’s Maternal Mortality Ratio Climbs Amid Declining Birth Rate**

**Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – September 8, 2025** – New data reveals Kerala’s maternal mortality ratio (MMR) has increased significantly, climbing from 18 to 30 per one lakh live births, according to the latest Sample Registration System (SRS) special bulletin for 2021-23. While Kerala shares the top spot with Andhra Pradesh for the lowest MMR in the country, this rise has prompted concern among health officials.

Authorities attribute the increase, in part, to maternal deaths related to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. However, a more significant factor appears to be Kerala’s rapidly declining birth rate. Once averaging 5-5.5 lakh live births annually, the state now records fewer than 4 lakh. Data from the Department of Economics and Statistics show 3,93,231 live births in 2023, with projections estimating a further drop to approximately 3.54 lakh for the period between April 2024 and March 2025.

The steady number of maternal deaths, averaging 120-140 annually, coupled with the shrinking number of live births, has inevitably led to a higher MMR. Health officials acknowledge that despite focusing on safe motherhood initiatives, reducing maternal deaths is becoming more challenging due to evolving social profiles of new mothers and complications linked to higher maternal age.

“While we’ve made significant strides in maternal healthcare, these new figures highlight the complex challenges we face,” stated a Kerala Health Department official. “We are committed to addressing these issues and ensuring the safety and well-being of mothers across the state.”

The data has reignited policy-level discussions regarding the state’s declining birth rate and its implications for healthcare planning and resource allocation. The state government has initiated further investigations into the factors contributing to maternal deaths to implement targeted interventions and bolster safe motherhood programs.

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