Karachi: Around 32 women die every day in Pakistan due to complications during pregnancy and childbirth while the country’s contraceptive prevalence rate remains only 38 percent, highlighting major gaps in maternal healthcare and family planning services, according to new statistics released on Mother’s Day.
The figures were shared by Pulse Consultant in a report based on findings from Pakistan’s 2023 digital census, shedding light on the demographic realities, struggles and health challenges faced by millions of mothers across the country.
According to the report, women constitute 48.5 percent of Pakistan’s total population, with their number exceeding 117.1 million. Of these, around 69.4 million women are aged 15 years and above, while over 50 million married women are estimated to be mothers.
The report revealed that Pakistan’s total fertility rate stands at 3.6 children per woman, although significant differences exist between urban and rural populations. In urban areas, the average number of children per woman is around 3.0, while in rural areas the figure rises sharply to 4.1 children per woman, reflecting greater reproductive burdens, limited healthcare access and fewer family planning services in rural communities.
Maternal health indicators highlighted in the report painted an alarming picture, particularly regarding pregnancy related deaths and inadequate use of contraceptive methods.
According to the findings, approximately 32 women lose their lives daily due to complications associated with pregnancy and childbirth in Pakistan, making maternal mortality a persistent public health challenge despite decades of interventions and awareness campaigns.
The report also noted that the use of contraceptives and family planning methods remains critically low at just 38 percent nationwide, indicating that a large proportion of women still lack access to reproductive health services, awareness or decision making power regarding birth spacing and maternal care.
Public health experts and social sector representatives said the statistics underline the central role played by Pakistani mothers not only within families but also in sustaining the country’s economy and social structure.
They stressed that Mother’s Day should not remain limited to symbolic celebrations and tributes, but instead serve as a reminder for policymakers to invest in maternal health, female education, nutrition, reproductive rights and women’s economic empowerment.
Experts warned that Pakistan continues to face serious maternal and child health challenges, especially in underserved rural regions where healthcare infrastructure, skilled birth attendants and emergency obstetric services remain inadequate.
Pakistan has one of the highest maternal mortality ratios in South Asia, and international health agencies have repeatedly called for stronger investments in maternal and reproductive healthcare, improved access to contraception, enhanced awareness regarding birth spacing and better nutrition for women and children.
Health experts believe that improving maternal health indicators would not only save lives but also contribute significantly to poverty reduction, economic productivity and long term social development in the country.