The United Nations Population Fund reports that South Sudan has the highest maternal mortality rate in the world.

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Because of illiteracy, women face major socioeconomic challenges including high risks with regard to reproductive health with reports suggesting that the maternal mortality rate in the country is among the highest in the world.

UNESCO: Learning for Life

The maternal-mortality rate is particularly worrying, pointing to serious problems.

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Supporters say the law, which took 14 years to pass, will reduce poverty and maternal mortality in a country with the highest birth rate in the region.

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States where poverty exceeded 18 percent, the immigrant population exceeded 15 percent and the C-section rate exceeded 33 percent had 77 percent, 33 percent and 21 percent higher risks of maternal mortality, respectively, a 2007 report by Gopal K. Singh of the Health Resources and Services Administration indicated.

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