What is the leading cause of maternal mortality globally?

The leading cause of maternal mortality globally is indeed complications from pregnancy and childbirth. This encompasses a range of serious conditions that can arise during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum, such as severe bleeding (hemorrhage), infections, hypertensive disorders (such as preeclampsia), and complications from pre-existing conditions that are exacerbated by pregnancy.

Research and statistical analysis reveal that these complications are typically preventable or treatable with effective healthcare interventions, which is why they remain a critical focus for improving maternal health worldwide. Recognizing the primary role of direct obstetric complications as a major contributor to maternal deaths underscores the importance of access to skilled healthcare providers, emergency obstetric care, and comprehensive prenatal care, especially in low-resource settings.

The other choices represent significant health issues but are not specific to the process of pregnancy and childbirth in the same direct manner. While cardiovascular disease and cancer are serious health risks, they do not exclusively account for maternal mortality. Pneumonia, although a serious illness that can affect pregnant individuals, does not rank as the leading cause of maternal deaths when considering the entire spectrum of pregnancy-related complications.