Developed collaboratively by the Women’s Collective Forum (WCF), Population Research Centre at the Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC), Bengaluru and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), and the Population Research Centre, Bengaluru, this white paper provides an evidence-based assessment of India’s maternal health trajectory, highlighting both advances and persistent regional and socio-economic gaps. It underscores the need to shift from increasing facility births to ensuring safer, more respectful deliveries through strengthened referral systems, preconception care, digital health tools, and investment in human resources. The report outlines an equity-focused roadmap that prioritizes high-burden states, addresses structural and socio-cultural barriers, and leverages public–private and community partnerships so that every pregnancy is safe and every mother’s life and dignity are protected.
Year of Publication: 2025