By: Sampson W Weah
IPNEWS: Liberia recorded significant gains in reproductive and maternal healthcare in 2025, with more than 56,000 unintended pregnancies and 29,000 unsafe abortions prevented through family planning and reproductive health interventions, according to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Annual Report 2025.
The report highlights the growing impact of investments in family planning, maternal healthcare and skilled birth attendance, describing the achievements as a major contribution to improving the health and well-being of women and girls across the country.
In addition to the reduction in unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions, the report disclosed that 146,589 institutional deliveries were recorded during the year, meaning thousands of women gave birth in health facilities under the care of trained medical personnel. It also reported 16,540 surgical deliveries, mainly cesarean sections, providing life-saving care for mothers and babies experiencing pregnancy or childbirth complications.
Health experts say these figures underscore the importance of expanding access to modern contraceptives, quality prenatal care, skilled midwives and emergency obstetric services. They note that family planning enables women and couples to determine the timing and spacing of pregnancies, reducing health risks for mothers and infants while improving family welfare.
According to UNFPA, preventing unintended pregnancies also reduces the likelihood of unsafe abortions, which remain a major contributor to maternal illness and death in many developing countries. The organization says access to reproductive health information and services is essential to protecting women’s health and advancing national development.
The achievements come as Liberia continues efforts to strengthen its healthcare system following years of investment by the Government of Liberia and international development partners. UNFPA has worked in Liberia since 1979, supporting the country in improving maternal and newborn health, ensuring a reliable supply of modern contraceptives, addressing gender-based violence, and expanding access to sexual and reproductive health services, particularly in underserved communities.
Despite the progress, maternal health remains a major challenge. The World Bank estimates Liberia’s maternal mortality ratio at 628 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023—one of the highest rates globally—highlighting the need for continued investment in quality maternal healthcare and emergency obstetric services.
UNFPA says it will continue collaborating with the Ministry of Health and other partners to expand access to quality reproductive health services, strengthen the health workforce, improve the availability of life-saving medicines and contraceptives, and ensure that no woman or girl is left behind.
Public health advocates have welcomed the report, saying the findings demonstrate the value of sustained investment in reproductive healthcare. They urged policymakers and development partners to maintain funding for family planning, maternal health and community outreach programs to sustain the gains and accelerate progress toward reducing preventable maternal deaths and achieving universal access to reproductive health services in Liberia.
