Maternal mortality refers to the death of a woman during pregnancy, childbirth or within 42 days after giving birth. It is often used as an indicator of the quality and availability of healthcare services for women during pregnancy and childbirth. Maternal mortality rates can vary greatly between countries and regions due to differences in access to healthcare, cultural practices, and socio-economic factors. Reducing maternal mortality is a key goal of global health initiatives such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).