International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

Pregnant women in developing countries are using International Women's Day to call for greater investment in maternal health.

Hundreds of thousands of pregnant women in developing countries are at as great a risk of dying in childbirth as women in the UK were a century ago, according to a coalition of campaign groups.

For every 100,000 live births in developing nations, 450 women die whilst giving birth.

In 1910, 355 women died during pregnancy or labour in every 100,000 live births in England and Wales in 1910, according to the coalition, which includes White Ribbon Alliance, Amnesty International and Oxfam.

The comparison was drawn to tie in with the centenary of International Women's Day.

"There still remains a long way to go for the protection and security of pregnant women and their newborn children," Brigid McConville, the director of White Ribbon Alliance, said.

Annually on March 8th, thousands of events are held throughout the world to inspire women and celebrate achievements as part of International Women's Day.