title: [Programs and public policy contributions for the improvement of maternal health].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To analyze the contributions of public policies and programs to the improvement of maternal health.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Enfermagem Materno-Infantil e Saúde Pública, Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil.
authors.forename: Fabiana Villela
authors.initials: FV
authors.lastname: Mamede
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Enfermagem Materno-Infantil e Saúde Pública, Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brasil.
authors.forename: Patrícia Santos
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Prudêncio
mesh_terms: D057217:Economic Development; D005260:Female; D006040:Goals; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D000068097:Maternal Health; D011640:Public Policy; D014480:United Nations