VI. Disadvantaged Groups of Women vulnerable situation in terms of rights protection.
Women in Rural Areas 25. According to MOWH statistics, the national maternal mortality rate has been increasing year by year since reaching a low point of 4.2 in 2010. The national maternal mortality rate for each year from 2018 to 2020 is about three times higher than that of 2010. The government believes this is associated with obstetric embolism and that women become pregnant at a later stage of life. The maternal mortality rate in outlying islands or rural areas is five to six times higher than the national average, while the average age at childbirth or the average age at first birth in these areas is lower than the national average.37 In addition, obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) medical resources and staff have decreased from 10 years ago, and there is an urbanrural gap.38 26. Although the Constitution of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and 37 The maternal mortality rate (maternal deaths per 100,000 live births) by county and city from 2018 to 2020: the highest rate in 2018 was found in Taitung County (66.8), in 2019 in Penghu County (101.2), and in 2020 in Nantou County (65.2), which were five to six times than the national averages (12.2, 16, and 13 respectively). In those three years, the average age of mothers and the average age of women who gave birth for the first time in Taitung, Penghu, and Nantou counties were lower than the national average. For details see the MOHW’s gender statistics and information from the 52nd meeting of the National Council for Sustainable Development, Executive Yuan, May 5, 2021.

38 In 2020, for example, more than 70% of the nation’s OB-GYN medical institutions (990, 100 fewer than 10 years ago) and specialists (1,185) were located in the six major cities in Taiwan. In 2020, there were only 134 practicing midwifery personnel in Taiwan, a decrease of 177 from 2001. See Statistics of Medical Care Institution Status and Hospital Utilization, MOHW, 2021.

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