Historically, countries have primarily relied on policy rather than legislation to implement Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response systems (MPDSR). However, evidence shows significant disparities in how MPDSR is implemented among different countries. In this article, we argue for the importance of establishing MPDSR systems mandated by law and aligned with the country's constitutional provisions, regional and international human rights obligations, and public health commitments. We highlight how a "no blame" approach can be regulated to provide a balance between confidentiality of the system and access to justice and remedies.
Keywords: MPDSR; access to justice; accountability; confidentiality; human rights; legislation; maternal and perinatal death surveillance and response systems; remedies; “no blame” approach.
© 2024 The Author(s). International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics.