A highly anticipated first report into perinatal mortality has been released, for births in the year 2007. The review is only now available because “The time lag between a death occurring and confirming the cause can take months or even years subject to a range of factors, including coronial investigations,” says Professor Cindy Farquhar, chair of the review committee and professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Auckland. The Perinatal and Maternal Mortality Review Committee is a ministerial committee responsible for reviewing maternal and perinatal deaths (born between 20 weeks’ gestation and 28 days of age). The report presents one measure of quality and safety in New Zealand’s maternity services. It highlights that New Zealand’s perinatal and maternal mortality rates are similar to those of the UK and Australia. Most district health boards are reported to be within the national perinatal mortality rate, says Professor Farquhar. “The loss of mothers and their babies has an enormous impact on families and communities,” says Dr Vicki Culling, consumer representative on the committee and chairperson of Sands, a national support organisation following the death of a baby. The full report including its 29 recommendations is available here.