Human Rights Law and Safe Motherhood

In this article, the author argues that the preventable rate of maternal mortality is a symptom of a larger social injustice of discrimination against women and violation of women's human rights that societies are unwilling to prevent, remedy and punish. In order to advance safe motherhood through human rights, the author points out that it must be recognized that maternal mortality is a denial of human dignity constituting an injustice which states are obligated to remedy. Part II of the article discusses human rights which are relevant to safe motherhood. Part III is a discussion of obligations to observe human rights and how these obligations also apply to reduce maternal mortality. In Part IV, the author argues that the advancement of safe motherhood through human rights must begin with a diagnosis of laws, policies and norms that affect this right. [Descriptors: Reproductive Rights - Safe Motherhood, International]