ABSTRACT
Objective
To analyze the contributions of public policies and programs to the improvement of maternal health.
Method
Historical and reflective study from the perspective of the theoretical framework of sexual and reproductive rights.
Results
maternal health is embedded in sexual and reproductive rights, which are seen as human rights and a responsibility of the state. Many programs and policies have been developed and improved in order to bring advancements to maternal health and contribute to meeting the fifth Millennium Development Goal.
Conclusions
The development and enhancement of programs and policies played an important role in the organization of health systems, reflecting on improvements achieved in maternal health indicators. However, the perpetuation of high levels of maternal mortality over the years underscores the need to rethink the path trailed to date.
Pre-natal care; Nursing; Maternal well-being; Reproductive health; Millennium Development Goals