Ignaz Semmelweis

Stories

The 44% drop in maternal deaths

Deceased (1865)

In 1990, approximately 532,000 women died each year from pregnancy and childbirth complications. By 2015, that number had fallen to 303,000—a 44% reduction in the maternal mortality ratio, from 385 to 216 deaths per 100,000 live births. Expanded access to skilled birth attendants, emergency obstetric care, and basic medical interventions like antibiotics and blood transfusions drove the decline.

Updated May 22

The century that stopped burying babies

New Capabilities

Died 1865; vindicated posthumously

In 1900, one in seven babies born in the United States or United Kingdom died before their first birthday. By 2017, the rate had fallen to roughly 4-6 per 1,000—a decline exceeding 95%. This transformed how families experience childbirth and early childhood.

Updated May 22

Notable Quotes

When I look back upon the past, I can only dispel the sadness which falls upon me by gazing into that happy future when the infection will be banished.

from The 44% drop in maternal deaths · Updated May 22

"When I look back upon the past, I can only dispel the sadness which falls upon me by gazing into that happy future when the infection will be banished."

from The century that stopped burying babies · Updated May 22