Every mother safe, every pregnant woman empowered – with this objective, National Safe Motherhood Day is observed every year on April 11th. In India, this day is crucial for reducing maternal mortality rates, promoting safe deliveries, and raising awareness about the health of pregnant women.
This day is celebrated on the birth anniversary of Kasturbai Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi's wife, who played a significant role in women's rights and the freedom struggle.
National Safe Motherhood Day 2025 Theme
The theme for 2025 is: Equity in Maternal Healthcare: Leave No Mother Behind. This theme conveys the message that women from all classes, castes, and regions should receive equal maternal healthcare services, whether they are urban or rural, rich or poor.
When and Why Was This Day Initiated?
National Safe Motherhood Day was initiated in 2003 when the Indian government, on the initiative of the White Ribbon Alliance India (WRAI), recognized it. Its main objective was to reduce the maternal mortality rate in India and prioritize women's health. India became the first country in the world to declare a national day dedicated to maternal safety.
Why is National Safe Motherhood Day Necessary?
In a developing country like India, the Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) has been a serious challenge. Women in rural areas face various complications due to lack of healthcare services, malnutrition, and lack of awareness. This day focuses the attention of the government, society, and health institutions on these problems so that every mother can have the right to safe motherhood. Motherhood is not just childbirth but a complete process in which the mother's mental, physical, and social health is important.
Care During Pregnancy
• Regular health checkups (ANC checkups)
• Proper nutrition and iron-folic acid supplements
• Vaccination (TT vaccine)
• Identification and management of high-risk pregnancies
Safety During Delivery
• Delivery under the supervision of a trained midwife or doctor
• Institutional delivery facilities
• Emergency Obstetric Care (EmOC)
Post-Delivery Care
• Postpartum checkups
• Breastfeeding information
• Protection from postpartum hemorrhage or infection
Objectives of National Safe Motherhood Day
1. To make women aware of their maternal rights
2. To provide timely and quality healthcare services
3. To encourage institutional deliveries
4. To reduce maternal mortality rates
5. To ensure access to healthcare services in rural and backward areas
6. To involve men in maternal health
Major Government Schemes Related to Motherhood
1. Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)
Helps ensure nutrition and healthcare for pregnant women by providing financial assistance.
2. Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK)
Provides free delivery, free medicines, checkups, and ambulance services.
3. Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA)
Free special check-up camps are organized for pregnant women on the 9th of every month.
Role of Nurses and ASHA Workers in Maternal Safety
At the village level, ASHA workers and Anganwadi workers provide necessary information and services to women by visiting their homes.
• Reminding about timely vaccination
• Providing iron tablets
• Encouraging institutional delivery
• Ensuring nutritious diet and post-delivery care
How is National Safe Motherhood Day Celebrated?
• Organizing health camps
Special check-up camps are organized at PHC and CHC centers.
• Awareness programs in schools and colleges
Children and youth are educated about maternal health.
• Street plays and cultural programs
The message of motherhood is conveyed through creative mediums.
• Social media campaigns
Participation is increased through hashtags like #SafeMotherhoodDay, #MaatritvaSuraksha.
Important Statistics Related to Maternal Safety
• India's maternal mortality rate was 327/100,000 in 2000, which decreased to 97/100,000 in 2023.
• More than 80% of women now prioritize institutional delivery.
• Under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, 1.75 crore women have benefited.
Your Role in Maternal Safety
• Providing timely healthcare services to pregnant women in your family
• Taking care of nutrition and mental health
• Eliminating misconceptions and stereotypes
• Ensuring every woman's right to motherhood
Every Mother Deserves Safe Motherhood
National Safe Motherhood Day is not just a date, but a commitment to ensure that every woman in India, regardless of her class or region, is completely safe and empowered during pregnancy and childbirth. Let us all pledge this April 11th that “we will leave no mother behind” and move motherhood forward with respect, safety, and support.
