Maternal Deaths in Canada: 2000–2023 Trends

Deaths caused by pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium (postpartum period) have remained extremely rare in Canada over the past two decades. From 2000 to 2023, annual maternal deaths ranged from a low of 11 (in 2000) to a high of 43 (in 2023), consistently accounting for less than 0.1% of all deaths nationwide.

Although the absolute numbers are small, each maternal death is significant and often preventable. Public health improvements, better access to prenatal care, and advances in medical technology have contributed to maintaining these low rates. The gradual increase in recent years—from 30 deaths in 2021 to 43 in 2023—highlights the ongoing need for vigilance in maternal health care systems.

Pregnancy-Related Deaths in Canada from 2000 to 2023:

Year	Rank of leading causes of death	Number of deaths	Percentage of deaths
2000	39	11	0%
2001	37	26	0%
2002	38	15	0%
2003	37	23	0%
2004	37	20	0%
2005	37	30	0%
2006	37	28	0%
2007	37	24	0%
2008	37	34	0%
2009	37	29	0%
2010	37	24	0%
2011	38	18	0%
2012	37	22	0%
2013	38	23	0%
2014	37	23	0%
2015	37	27	0%
2016	37	24	0%
2017	37	27	0%
2018	37	34	0%
2019	36	32	0%
2020	37	35	0%
2021	38	30	0%
2022	37	40	0%
2023	37	43	0%

Source:

Source Name:	Statistics Canada. Table 13-10-0394-01 Leading causes of death, total population, by age group
Source Link:	https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/cv.action?pid=1310039401
Release Date:	2025-02-19