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Autopsy as a tool in the prevention of maternal mortality
Abstract
Maternal mortality rates are an index of the state of a nation's health system. Maternal autopsies help to determine these rates, provide information on avoidable/unavoidable causes of mortality, consequently leading to the development of strategies for treatment and prevention ofmaternalmortality andmorbidity. The lesson from post-mortem examinations, using the vehicle of confidential enquiries into maternal deaths, can save the lives of many; causing reduction in both maternal and perinatal mortality as well as reductions in morbidity. However for autopsies to fulfil this role they must be of a very high standard and must be subjected to quality controlmeasures.
Keywords: Autopsy,prevention, maternal mortality.