Maternal mortality at the University Hospital of Libreville was 152.5 for every 100,000 live births. There were 48 maternal deaths out of 31,799 deliveries carried out between 1984 and 1987. The principal causes were: haemorrhage in 45.8%, infections in 20.8%, intercurrent diseases in 20.8%, vasculo-renal syndromes in 10.4% and thromboses in 2%. The main differences between this country and developed countries were the large number of haemorrhages and the rarity of thrombosis. Poor prognostic factors were SS sickle-cell disease in 10.4% of the cases who died and in deaths due to anaemias, of which 25% were due to haemorrhage connected with the afterbirth. Complications occurring in the 1st trimester of pregnancy caused nearly a third of all maternal deaths. Complications of abortion occurred in 16.6% and of extra-uterine pregnancies in 14.6%. If the maternal mortality rate is to be reduced it is important to have a proper blood bank. The risks of caesarean section are ten times greater than of vaginal delivery, although it is a good way out for difficult situations. The indications for the operation have to be carefully considered. Comparing the statistics reported from Cotonou, the University Hospital in Libreville has a lower incidence of maternal mortality but it is too high and requires real progress to be made.