ASIA/MYANMAR - Women continue to die from birth-related causes

Yangon (Agenzia Fides) – In Myanmar, where abortion is illegal, complications due to dangerous abortion procedures are the third leading cause of maternal deaths after post-partum haemorrhage and eclampsia (seizures), as stated in the National Health Plan 2006-2011 of the local government. The latest survey conducted by UNICEF and the Department of Health in 2005 shows that the maternal mortality rate in Myanmar continues to be high: 316 per 100,000 live births. About 10% of all maternal deaths are related to abortion. Various initiatives to raise awareness, among them a telephone hotline on health information, which has been used by 20% of women between 15 and 24 years of age. About 70 percent of the population of the country, 57.5 million people, lives in rural areas. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 18/3/2010)