High maternal mortality ratios (MMRs) serve as objective indicators of the poor condition of women's health in any country and point to violations of human rights that are entrenched in national, regional, and global laws. For more than a decade, Nigeria has consistently been one of the top five listed countries with the highest MMRs in the world; in 2015, its MMR was estimated at 814 deaths per 100 000 live births, accounting for 19% of maternal deaths worldwide and approximately 58 000 deaths each year. Accountability for preventable maternal deaths and injuries is essential to both achieve and sustain a reduction in Nigeria's high levels of maternal mortality. The present article addresses key human rights strategies for securing accountability, and identifies opportunities for healthcare providers to have leadership roles in the fulfilment of legal and ethical obligations to preserve women's lives.

Keywords: Accountability; Healthcare providers; Human rights; Maternal mortality; Maternity services; Mistreatment; Nigeria; Postpartum detention; Preventable maternal mortality; Systemic reform.

© 2017 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics.