Motherhood In The Margins: Improving Maternal Health Outcomes In India

Abstract

Despite significant progress in recent decades, India continues to face major challenges in improving maternal health outcomes, particularly among marginalized populations. This review examines the current state of maternal health in India, critical barriers to care, and evidence-based interventions to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and government databases to identify relevant studies published between 2000-2023. The review finds that while institutional delivery rates have increased substantially, quality of care remains inconsistent. Key barriers include lack of access in rural areas, cultural beliefs, low female literacy, and health system weaknesses. Community-based interventions, health worker training, cash transfer programs, and health system strengthening show promise for improving outcomes. However, a multisectoral approach addressing social determinants of health is needed to achieve equitable progress. Prioritizing marginalized women through targeted, culturally appropriate interventions is critical to reduce maternal deaths further and achieve universal health coverage in India.