Monitoreo de morbilidad materna extrema (near miss) como compromiso internacional para complementar la calidad de la atención en salud materna

Background

The World Health Organisation uses the term “near miss” to describe medical and obstetric events - whether during pregnancy, childbirth or the following 42 days after the end of the pregnancy - in which the mother survived, but almost lost her life (extreme maternal morbidity). In the case of our country, cases of extreme maternal morbidity are not adequately recorded.

Objective

To analyse the texts of International Law (declarations, treaties and agreements) related to maternal health, to determine the standards by which Mexico must comply.

Materials and methods

The authors analyse various texts of International Law, as well as the standards set by the World Health Organization and the Millennium Development Goals in relation to extreme maternal morbidity.

Results

There is a significant need for Mexico to comply with the guidelines and standards set by the World Health Organization and the Pan American Health Organization in relation to maternal morbidity, as these guidelines are part of International Law. Mexico has ratified, accepted and signed several international treaties, many of which involve commitments directly related to maternal health.

Conclusions

Appropriate monitoring, not only of maternal mortality, but also of maternal morbidity and severe or extreme maternal morbidity, are part of the practices that our country must undertake in order to have a proper fulfilment of international commitments in maternal health.