UNWOMEN

MATERNAL MORTALITY IN
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

VCSP MUN 2024

Villa Caritas & San Pedro Model United Nations 2024 Index
Letter from the Sec-Gens……………………………………………………………………….

Letter from the Director………………………………..……………………………………….

History of the Committee ……………………...……………………………………………….

Introduction to the Topic…………………..……………………………………………………

Current Situation……………………..…………………………………………………………

Past Actions……………………………………...……………………………………………...

Bloc Positions…………………………………………………………………………………...

QARMAs……………………………………………………………………………………….

Position Papers…………………………………………………………………………………

Recommendations………………………………………………………………………………

References…………………………………………….………………………………………..

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Letter from the Sec-Gens

Dear Delegates,

With great excitement and pride, we extend a warm welcome to the Model United Nations of
Villa Caritas and San Pedro College. As Secretaries-General of this conference, we are
delighted to invite you to participate in an event that not only promises fun but also offers an
invaluable opportunity for inspiration and enrichment.
We address you after six months of hard work and dedication to organize this event. From the
first stroke on paper to the final execution, every aspect has been carefully considered and
crafted to provide you with a memorable and impactful experience. We are deeply proud of
the outcome of our efforts and confident that this Model United Nations will be a true
testament to our commitment to excellence and quality.

During this time, we have forged a deep connection with the Model United Nations.
Alessandra, with her passionate commitment to this initiative, has inspired many with her
dedication to joining the organization's team. Matías, on the other hand, has brought his
organizational skills and strategic vision, contributing to the development of this conference.

Four years ago, when we met in the virtual setting of college, a friendship blossomed between
us. Alessandra, with her passion for the Model United Nations, used to vividly narrate stories
about how this experience transformed her worldview. Matías, interested in the activity,
decided to embark on his journey in the MUN last year.

Our mission as Secretaries-General goes beyond administrative tasks. We aspire to create an

inclusive space where each of you can spread your wings, share your truths, and participate
with confidence. Because in the symphony of voices lies progress, resonating beyond borders
and within the corridors of change.

As we embark on this journey together, we embrace the spirit of collaboration. We dare to

dream and question a world where unity prevails over discord and compassion triumphs over
indifference. With unwavering anticipation, we eagerly await your presence at the Model
United Nations of Villa Caritas and San Pedro school.

With affection,

Alessandra Linares and Matías Bobadilla

Secretaries-General

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Letter from the Director

Dear delegates,

I am pleased to welcome you to the UNWOMEN at VCSPMUN 2024! My name is Maria

Alejandra Ponce de León, and along with Gonzalo, we would be your Directors. This paper
will provide guidance information regarding our committee’s topic. We are thrilled to witness
what you bring to the table to have a prolific debate!

My Model UN career has been an important part of my life over the past four years. It all
began in 2020, during the COVID-19 lockdown. I remember that my first conference was
virtual, and I felt nervous when turning on the microphone. To be honest, virtual conferences
are not as exciting as in-person ones. Later on, after multiple conferences, I had the incredible
opportunity of debating at the National High School Model United Nations in New York City.

To tell you a little bit about myself, I am currently enrolled to study in the US. I will be
starting classes in August, pursuing a major in Industrial Engineering. Besides, I enjoy sports,
whether it's playing them or watching them. Since I was young, I have been passionate about
playing tennis. When I'm not on the courts, I also enjoy going for walks with my dogs,
watching movies, and traveling.

With this study guide, we hope to set a good base for further research and proposals to be
debated during committee. The topic of Maternal Morality is one of the issues that prevail in
the majority of developing countries, complicating many women's lives. I am sure that
debating this type of topic could cultivate a generation of informed decision-makers with
global and local awareness. We would love to see feasible proposals to solve the issues
discussed. Feel free to contact any of us if you have any questions.

I hope you enjoy VCSPMUN 2024. We are looking forward to meeting you!

Cordially,

Maria Alejandra Ponce de León

[email protected]

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Letter from the Director

Dear delegates,

Welcome to this year’s edition of VCSPMUN! My name is Gonzalo Calderón, and it is truly
an honor to be one of your directors in this year’s UN WOMEN committee.
Let me tell you a little bit about myself first. I am currently in the midst of my second year of
the International Baccalaureate program here at the San Pedro school… Those who are
familiar with it know the burden this entails; nevertheless, I am glad I am doing it anyway.
When I am not drowning in homework, I enjoy listening to music, playing piano, drawing,
and, above all, reading revolutionary political theory. This last thing is what got me into
Model UN in the first place. For me, MUN has become a place in which I can wander off into
the realm of international politics alongside hundreds of peers; in which every single one of
us becomes a learner and teacher simultaneously, whether you are into diplomacy, politics,
economics, law, or debate.

The topic of this committee, “Maternal Mortality in Developing Countries”, is one I am

deeply interested in. Not only does it delve into the depths of the intricate world of sex,
gender, and reproductive relations (which is, of course, the main focus of the committee), but
it also brings light to the often overlooked economic aspect underlying the fight for women’s
emancipation. As such, I expect a nuanced understanding of the politics inherent to the issue
at hand, and, consequently, consistency in the views you espouse throughout the committee.
Remember, content is the backbone of a good speech!

It is my genuine hope that all of you come to this committee with the desire to learn and make
the most out of this experience. With this in mind, do not hesitate to contact me at
[email protected] or my partner at her email if you have any doubts or
concerns; we will gladly answer! With nothing more to say, I wish you a stress-free
preparation time, and I look forward to meeting you in person!

Best Wishes,

Gonzalo Calderón

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I. History of the Committee

The history of the present committee is deeply rooted in the United Nations’ commitment to
gender equality in all its forms. Ever since its establishment, the Women's Ministry has
continued to evolve to address the new issues and challenges women and girls face around the
globe. In line with this, it has expanded its focus to areas such as violence against women,
women’s economic empowerment, and the intersection of gender and other forms of
discrimination, such as race and ethnicity.

To achieve this, UN Women was established in July 2010 by the United Nations General
Assembly in recognition of the need for greater coordination and focus to accelerate the
process towards gender equality and women’s empowerment worldwide. Ever since then, UN
Women has worked tirelessly through advocacy, policy development, capacity building and
direct support to various programs and projects to achieve these goals in diverse regions of
the world. As such, this committee continues to play a crucial role in the establishment of a
world in which women and girls can live free of discrimination and violence so that they can
develop to their full potential.

II. Introduction to the topic

In 2017, the maternal mortality ratio in high-income

countries was 11 out of 100,000 live births. In the
case of developing nations, this ratio increased to 450
out of 100,000. The difference is alarming.

Maternal mortality is one of the most pressing issues

in most (if not all) developing countries. The
tendencies in medical complications that expecting mothers experience are high blood
pressure, hemorrhages, and infections, in addition to unsafe abortions.

Women in many developing countries happen to be victims of gender discrimination and are
dismissed from the primary healthcare that any human is supposed to get. This negates the
rights of living healthily that every human is supposed to get, and, at the same time, increases
the possibility of pregnant women dying because of preventable diseases. The lack of
healthcare also affects the possibility of mothers getting prenatal care which is proven to
significantly reduce maternal mortality.

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Maternal mortality is a complex issue that has been studied by the international community
for years. During this time, MM has managed to decrease in
great percentages in comparison to the last 40 years.
Nevertheless, during the pandemic, MMR has alarmingly
increased. The new phenomenon of uprisings has quickly
awakened the interest in helping this problem to come to an
end, with several campaigns done both by individual
governments and by international corporations.

In conclusion, Maternal Mortality has been an issue present worldwide, which, despite the
efforts, is still taking lives uncontrollably in developing countries. These nations’ women go
through several more difficulties during pregnancy because of different factors including
discrimination because of their gender or economy. Interest has been shown by the UN to
prevent a new peak on the MMR, nevertheless, new initiatives are encouraged to diminish the
deaths to the minimum percentage possible.

III. Current situation

The current situation remains a significant global health concern. While progress has been
made in reducing maternal mortality rates worldwide, developing countries continue to face
considerable challenges in ensuring safe pregnancies and childbirth for women.

The COVID-19 aftermath has caused an

increase in pregnancy and childbirth-related
deaths. In 2020, at least every day 800 women
died, and every 2 minutes a maternal death
occurred. According to the WHO, almost 95%
of maternal deaths occurred in developing
countries during 2020, and most of them could
be prevented (Katella, 2023).

The significant maternal mortality rates observed in certain regions underscore disparities in
accessing quality healthcare services and underscore the divide between affluent and
impoverished populations. In 2020, the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) stood at 430 per
100,000 live births in low-income countries, contrasting sharply with 12 per 100,000 live
births in high-income nations.

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Most maternal deaths are concentrated in a relatively small number of countries, with
two-thirds occurring in Sub-Saharan Africa. Countries with the highest-burden need
intensified support to ensure women and children receive the healthcare they need at this
critical stage of life.

According to Dr. Tadele Girum, an Ethiopian physician affiliated with Wolkite University
(2017), over 70% of maternal fatalities stem from hemorrhage, infection, unsafe abortion,
hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and obstructed labor. These fatalities are primarily
rooted in poverty, insufficient or inaccessible healthcare, disparities in resource distribution,
gender inequality, and low levels of education among women (BMC, Maternal Health,
Neonatology, and Perinatology).

In addition to its profound health impacts, pregnancy-related deaths and disabilities also entail
significant social and economic losses. The women affected are typically in their prime years,
and responsible for the health and well-being of their families. Their premature deaths
represent a setback to all development endeavors. Beyond the social and economic
justifications for addressing this burden of mortality and morbidity lies a moral obligation.
Hence, reducing high maternal mortality rates in developing nations should be a central
policy priority for health, social, and economic development.

Fortunately, the majority of maternal and newborn deaths are preventable with established
interventions. However, establishing a direct cause-and-effect relationship between maternal
mortality and its predictors is challenging due to the infrequent occurrence of maternal death
events. Consequently, identifying the determinants of maternal death poses significant
difficulties.

Many studies have examined the determinants of maternal mortality in a piecemeal manner,
often with limited cases of maternal death, neglecting the broader impact of health and social
indicators such as contraceptive prevalence rate, total fertility rate, literacy rate, Gross
National Income (GNI), and others. Therefore, this study seeks to explore the factors
associated with maternal mortality in developing countries, incorporating the most recent
health-related, social, economic, and developmental indicators (Girum, 2017).

Furthermore, poverty plays a major role in maternal mortality. Women living in poverty are
more likely to face barriers to healthcare access, including distance to health facilities,
inability to afford transportation costs, and out-of-pocket expenses for healthcare services.

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Poverty also contributes to malnutrition and poor overall health, increasing the risk of
complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Sustained political commitment, increased
investment in healthcare infrastructure, and multisectoral approaches are needed to make
significant and lasting progress in reducing maternal mortality worldwide.
IV. Past Actions

Several past actions and initiatives have been undertaken,

often in collaboration with international organizations,
governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and
local communities. For instance, the initiative Every
Newborn Action Plan (ENAP) and Ending Preventable
Maternal Mortality (EPMM) groups, had developed new
strategies to ensure essential interventions held to every
pregnant girl and woman, including four or more antenatal
care visits, childbirth assisted by a skilled birth attendant,
and that both she and her newborn receive postnatal care
within two days of birth. By directing more attention and
resources, fostering collaboration with governments, communities, and families, and
prioritizing interventions in areas with the most urgent needs, substantial enhancements can
be achieved in maternal health coverage and equality (World Health Organization, n/d).

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Going further into “ENAP”, the initiative funded in 2014, was supported by the World Health
Organization and UNICEF. Laying out a strategic plan of action aimed at eradicating
preventable newborn deaths and stillbirths, while also playing a role in decreasing maternal
mortality and morbidity. After 12 months, the endorsement of ENAP seemed to be positive.
Leading countries like Indonesia, Pakistan, Ghana, and India to finalize the national newborn
action plans. Besides, Namibia, Rwanda, and Uganda improve their health programs. Other
nations, such as Bangladesh, Botswana, Malawi, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, and Nigeria,
were in the stages of formulating their national plans for newborn care. Similarly, countries
like Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, and Nepal were enhancing their existing plans to
incorporate measures aimed at safeguarding newborns (World Health Organization, 2014).

The initiative was founded on evidence provided by a series of papers published in "The
Lancet," a medical journal. These papers revealed studies conducted by multiple professors
and experts. The series highlights that nearly all the 5.5 million newborn and stillborn babies
who perish annually are born and pass away without being formally registered, indicating a
widespread acceptance of these deaths as unavoidable. Particularly, preterm babies are often
overlooked in official counts, even in affluent nations, particularly if their survival is not
anticipated. The absence of registration serves as a significant barrier to making
advancements in reducing newborn mortality rates, lagging behind progress made in
decreasing maternal and child mortality rates in recent decades. It underscores the urgent need
to expedite efforts to meet international targets for child mortality reduction.

One of the contributors, professor Bhutta

predicts based on their research, that three
million lives can be saved by 2025 if
achievable interventions are scaled up to
nearly universal coverage, and improving
care at the time of birth gives a triple
return on investment saving mothers,
newborns and stillbirths.

Furthermore, there is “EPMM”, another

initiative funded in 2015. Focused on the collateral and long-term effects after death on
mothers and their families. This initiative is grounded in human rights by addressing

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substantial inequalities that result in disparities in access, quality, and outcomes of healthcare
within and among nations.

In 2020, the EPMM, co-chaired by the WHO and UNFPA,

along with partners, intensified their collaboration efforts with a
renewed emphasis on assisting countries in accelerating
 progress towards enhancing maternal survival and well-being
through evidence-based knowledge and tools. In October 2021,
EPMM unveiled coverage targets and milestones to be achieved
by 2025. Recognizing the interconnectedness of women's health
and that of their newborns, EPMM closely collaborates with the
Every Newborn Action Plan (ENAP) in implementing activities
at national, regional, and global levels.

V. Bloc Positions

As representatives of different member and observer states of the United Nations, it is

important to take into account the diverse policies and perspectives that every one of you will
have to adopt. The following Bloc positions are not mandatory, and they will certainly
fluctuate as the events of the committee unfold. Nonetheless, we consider it crucial that you
understand the information below so that you can form a nuanced approach to the
international nature of this topic.

1. The Western Powers: Many of the native populations of developing countries suffer a
high rate of maternal mortality, something which can be attributed to a certain extent
to their former colonial domination by the Western powers. However, with most of
these nations having become independent, the West, now led by the USA1, has opted
for economic or political agreements instead, which continue to shape the trajectory of
the developing world. Whether these are meant to improve the living conditions of
child-bearing people in these regions or to further push their agendas will be seen
throughout the debate.

1
Although said position of leadership can, and is expected to be disputed as the committee progresses. 10

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2. BRICS: These emerging economies have sought to advance on their own and assert
their political and economic independence in the current geopolitical scene. The
growth of industrial relations in the most powerful countries of the Eastern bloc has
led to the expansion of mostly Chinese and Russian influence in the developing world.
Thus, they now wield the power, similarly to the West, to greatly aid or hinder the
 fight against maternal mortality in these nations.

3. Muslim-Majority Nations: These mostly developing countries often emphasize

cultural and religious considerations when enforcing domestic and international
policies, and the matter at hand is no exception. Hence, their approach to addressing
maternal mortality may involve navigating traditional beliefs and practices alongside
modern healthcare initiatives.

4. Developing World: The limited growth of developing countries’ national industries

and the consequent lack of political development that usually accompanies it have left
the door open for economic and political influence from either more powerful nations
or other emerging economies. These conflicts of interest manifest themselves in the
constant instability prevalent in the developing world. Consequently, developing
nations often suffer from moderate to extreme poverty, inadequate healthcare
infrastructure, lack of access to education for women, and other systemic issues that
contribute to an overall high maternal mortality rate, particularly exacerbated in the
case of marginalized communities. As such, although the specific socio-political
phenomena observed in different regions may greatly vary, the general nature of
developing countries remains the same throughout the globe. As the main focus of the
committee, developing countries are strongly encouraged to follow and propose
measures that are in line with their particular aims and concerns.

The country you have been assigned may not fit perfectly in one of these boxes or it may
even fall into multiple of them. Thus, we leave it to your criteria which of these categories
apply to it.

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VI. Key Terms

Maternal Mortality: Death of women during pregnancy, during childbirth or after 42 days
of birth.
During labor: A series of continuous, progressive contractions of the uterus that help the
cervix dilate and efface

Stillbirth: The death or loss of a baby before or during delivery

Perinatal: Period between pregnancy’s start and up to a year after giving birth

VIII. QARMAs

1. How can UNWOMEN advocate for increased financial commitment from private

institutions to support maternal health initiatives in developing nations?

2. Should governments interfere in the domestic fight against maternal mortality in

developing countries? If so, to what extent and how?

3. To what extent do social and cultural practices increase the ailments of gestating

women in developing countries, and consequently, what actions should the

international community take?

4. What should be the role of global powers in the fight against maternal mortality in

developing countries?

5. What actions should be taken to prevent another pandemic-related increase in

maternal mortality?

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Position Papers
A Position Paper is a policy statement in which delegates analyze and present their country’s
view on the issue being discussed, focusing on past national and international actions and
developing viable proposals for the topic.

Your position paper should always include a heading with the title (“Position Paper”), your
delegation (the country you are representing), your committee (full name), the topic you are
discussing (as stated in your study guide), your full name and the name of your school.

Additionally, a standard position paper comprises three paragraphs:

- Your first paragraph should include a brief introduction to the topic, always connecting
the issue to your country. Try to include statistics, data, and phrases that may apply.
Always bear in mind that you should be focusing on answering the question “Why is
the issue relevant to my country?” and explain your country’s situation and policy
about the issue.
- Your second paragraph should include a summary of past actions taken by the
international community related to the topic. Explain your country’s involvement,
comment on the effectiveness of the measures, and state how they can be improved.
- Your third paragraph should focus on proposing solutions, always according to your
country’s policy. Please be creative and propose original ideas that will help other
delegates (and your dais) remember your contribution to the debate. Finally, it is
highly recommended to write a strong closing sentence.

The format for the position paper is the following:

● Font: Times New Roman

● Font Size: 12
● Spacing: 1.15
● Bibliography: APA 7th edición
● Margins: Standard

Each delegation is responsible for submitting a Position Paper to the mail of the committee,
by [email protected] Monday, May 27h (11:59 pm). It is important to mention
that delegates who do not present the position paper will NOT be eligible for awards.

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References:

1. ErareeWrebyi. (2014). The Lancet Every Newborn Series. Healthy Newborn Network.
https://www.healthynewbornnetwork.org/resource/the-lancet-every-newborn-series/ 2.
Girum, T., Wasie, A. (2017). Correlates of maternal mortality in developing countries: an
ecological study in 82 countries. Matern Health, Neonatol and Perinatol.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40748-017-0059-8
3. Home. (n. d.).
https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/sites/1ea5684a-en/index.html?itemId=/content/compone
nt/1ea5684a-en
4. Katella, K. (2022). Maternal Mortality Is on the Rise: 8 Things To Know. Yale
Medicine. https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/maternal-mortality-on-the-rise 5. Katella,
K. (2023). Maternal Mortality Is on the Rise: 8 Things To Know. Yale Medicine.
https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/maternal-mortality-on-the-rise#:~:text=While%2
0many%20women%2035%20or,was%20138.5%20per%20100%2C000%20births. 6.
Roser, M., & Ritchie, H. (2024). Maternal mortality. Our World In Data.
https://ourworldindata.org/maternal-mortality#:~:text=In%20high-income%20countri
es%2C%20the,South%20and%20South-East%20Asia.
7. Say L, Chou D, Gemmill A et al. Global Causes of Maternal Death: A WHO
Systematic Analysis. Lancet Global Health. 2014;2(6): e323-e333.
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langlo/article/PIIS2214-109X(14)70227-X/fulltex
t
8. SDG 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. (s. f.). UN
Women – Headquarters.
https://www.unwomen.org/en/news/in-focus/women-and-the-sdgs/sdg-3-good-health
well-being
9. Sundholm, M. (2018, 19 noviembre). UN Women: The United Nations Entity for
Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women - Office of the Secretary-General’s
Envoy on Youth. Office Of The Secretary-General’s Envoy On Youth.
https://www.un.org/youthenvoy/2013/07/un-women-the-united-nations-entity-for-gen

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 der-equality-and-the-empowerment-of-women/#:~:text=In%20July%202010%2C%20
the%20United,and%20the%20empowerment%20of%20women
10. UNICEF, (2023), Maternal Morality.
https://data.unicef.org/topic/maternal-health/maternal-mortality/#:~:text=Maternal%2
0mortality%20refers%20to%20deaths,to%20UN%20inter%2Dagency%20estimates.
11. World Health Organization. (2023). Maternal Morality.
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/maternal-mortality
12. World Health Organization. (2021). New global targets to prevent maternal deaths.
https://www.who.int/news/item/05-10-2021-new-global-targets-to-prevent-maternal-d
eaths
13. World Health Organization. (2014). Every Newborn Action Plan.
https://www.who.int/initiatives/every-newborn-action-plan
14. World Health Organization. (n/d). Ending preventable maternal mortality.
https://www.who.int/initiatives/ending-preventable-maternal-mortality

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