Karnataka’s MMR reduces to 63 per lakh live births, but is still highest among southern States

Karnataka's maternal mortality ratio declines by six points, achieving SDG target ahead of schedule, emphasizing improved health outcomes.

Karnataka’s Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has declined by six points from 69 per lakh live births in 2018-20 to 63 in 2019-21, indicating that the number of women dying during childbirth has come down significantly.

Although the decline rate is less than half of what was achieved in 2018-20 — when MMR had reduced by 14 points from 83 per lakh live births in 2017-18 to 69 in 2018-20 — Karnataka is one of the eight States in the country that has achieved the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target much ahead of schedule. In terms of percentage, the State’s MMR has dropped by 8.7%.

The United Nations had set the SDG target of reaching an MMR of 70 per lakh live births by 2030. This target had been fixed as a mark of improved health outcomes for the developing world. The MMR is a significant indicator that defines the public health of a State. It determines the progress made by States in saving the lives of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and lactation.

Karnataka’s MMR has been declining since 2016. It had reduced by nine points from 92 per lakh live births in 2016–18 to 83 in 2017–19, during the pre-COVID-19 period. In 2014–16, the State’s MMR was 108, and it reduced to 97 in 2015–17. Officials said the lesser decline in 2019-21 could be because of the pandemic.

According to the latest Sample Registration System 2019–21 bulletin for the MMR released by the Registrar-General of India on Wednesday (May 7, 2025), Karnataka’s MMR continues to be the highest among the five southern States.

However, the six-point decline in Karnataka is also the highest, followed by Tamil Nadu, where the MMR has reduced by five points. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala have shown a reverse trend with an increase in MMR by one or two points.

Despite the increase, Kerala tops the list with the lowest MMR at 20 per lakh live births, followed by Maharashtra at 38 per lakh live births. Madhya Pradesh has the highest MMR at 175 per lakh live births.