This report provides epidemiological analysis of perinatal mortality from 2007 to 2020, maternal mortality from 2010 to 2020 and neonatal encephalopathy from 2010 to 2020;
monitors and tracks trends and disparities to identify areas for improvement; stimulates discussion around appropriate areas for further research; provides information on outcomes by year and the appendix containing 2019 tables and figures can be used as a marker in time for future reference; focuses on previous, critical recommendations that must be embedded into policies, protocols, consensus statements, guidelines and practices to reduce these deaths.

The section headed Maternal suicide (pp. 95-7) notes that:
"Death by suicide has disproportionately affected wāhine Māori. Over the period 2006–2020, wāhine Māori
were 2.91 times more likely to die by suicide than women of New Zealand European ethnicity, with wāhine Māori having both the highest number of deaths and highest rate of death due to suicide (Table 5.5). These data should be considered with caution due to the small number of maternal mortalities and the unadjusted nature of analysis. There is also a background of high suicide rates in Aotearoa New Zealand, particularly among rangatahi Māori [68].

Maternal suicide prevention is a critical equity issue in Aotearoa New Zealand. A previous review of maternal deaths due to suicide in wāhine Māori in the PMMRC’s eleventh annual report identified risk factors such as mental health issues, alcohol and drug use, or reports of previous self-harm or suicide attempts. For many, risk factors also included exposure to significant stressors, including relationship
difficulties, experience of violence or abuse, and financial, housing and transport difficulties. The eleventh annual report identified early recognition of risk factors as being critical for effective provision of health services for assessment and follow-up [59]."

Access the website for the media release and summary documents. Record #8166

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