Media outlets highlight a new U.N. report, titled “State of the World’s Midwifery 2014.”

Humanosphere: Midwives can avert two-thirds of maternal and newborn deaths, says U.N.
“…Increasing the number of midwives could prevent as many as two-thirds of all maternal and newborn deaths, says a new report released today by the U.N.’s Population Fund, the World Health Organization, and the International Confederation of Midwives. Making investments in the training and education of midwives can go a long way to save lives…” (Murphy, 6/3).

Reuters: Poorer countries lack midwives to cut birth deaths: report
“The majority of the world’s poorer countries, which account for nearly all childbirth-related deaths among newborns and mothers, are facing a critical shortage of professional midwives who could ease the problem, global health experts said on Tuesday…” (Heavey, 6/3).

U.N. News Centre: Midwives can prevent two-thirds of deaths among women and newborns — U.N. report
“…The report urges countries to invest in midwifery education and training to contribute to closing the glaring gaps that exist. Investments in midwifery education and training at agreed international standards can yield — as a study from Bangladesh shows — a 1,600 percent return on investment…” (6/3).

VOA News: Report Warns of Midwife Shortages
“A new report said there’s a severe shortage of midwives in more than 70 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Those countries suffer 96 percent of the world’s maternal deaths and more than 90 percent of stillbirths and newborn deaths…” (DeCapua, 6/3).