FROM POLICY TO PRACTICE: A LEGAL AND MEDICAL ASSESSMENT OF PAKISTAN'S COMPLIANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS TO REDUCE MATERNAL MORTALITY

Abstract

A complex mix of legal, medical, social and institutional factors contribute to the problem of maternal mortality in Pakistan. Household-level inequalities between commitments and achievements hinder efforts to improve maternal health. While Pakistan has ratified international agreements like SDGs, structural issues in healthcare access, quality and governance continue to impede development. Poor legal accountability, policy inconsistencies and shortage of resources also play a role in the unnecessary deaths of mothers. Also, sociocultural constraints such as limited movement, gender disparities, barriers to accessing or obtaining care aggravate the vulnerabilities of women especially in rural and underserved areas. Although the laws and policies at the national level are formal to support the cause of maternal health, there is still a huge gap between what is intended by law and what is demonstrated in practice. The continuing issues make it very important to question whether Pakistan can fulfill its global obligations and provide fair and safe maternal health services in the nation.