The population of women specialists in obstetrics and gynecology has increased 40-fold since 1981, and this growth, beyond a simple statistic, reflects the capabilities and roles of women in enhancing community health. Today, more than 30,000 women specialists, subspecialists, and fellows are active in various medical fields, whereas in 1981, the number of women specialists in all clinical fields was only 770.
Significant Advances in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Mohammad Raeis Zadeh, the head of the Medical Council Organization, mentioned this statistic during a ceremony commemorating a century of educational history in obstetrics and gynecology and the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Iranian Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, stating: "The country's population has increased about 2.5 times over the past four decades, but the number of women specialists in medical fields has increased more than 40 times." This change reflects the expanding presence of women in the specialized structure of the health system, which now includes prenatal care, childbirth, infertility treatment, fetal medicine, and specialized surgeries.
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Reduction in Maternal Mortality and the Importance of Safe Childbirth
Raeis Zadeh, referring to maternal mortality statistics during pregnancy and childbirth, stated: "The maternal mortality rate in Iran has decreased from over 220 cases per 100,000 live births about five decades ago to around 20 cases now." This figure is considered an important achievement for the country's health system and indicates significant advancements in this area. He also emphasized that access to safe childbirth in Iran is over 95%, while the global average for this indicator is less than 80%.
The head of the Medical Council Organization highlighted the key role of obstetricians and gynecologists in community health, saying: "Obstetricians and gynecologists are the architects of Iran's future; the architects of the people of this land." He also noted that the value of any country depends on the health and capabilities of its people, and specialists in this field play a crucial role in the health of future generations by caring for mothers and ensuring the safe birth of infants.
Soodabeh Kazemi, the president of the Iranian Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, also emphasized the importance of maintaining the quality of education and advancing knowledge in this field, stating: "Today's advancements are the result of years of effort, education, and research by generations of physicians." She stressed the need to uphold the dignity and health of Iranian women and called for the creation of a suitable space for dialogue and experience exchange in scientific associations.
During this ceremony, veterans of the field of obstetrics and gynecology and members of previous board of directors of the association were honored, and the memory of Maryam Pourreza, one of the founders of this association, and other deceased physicians in this field was commemorated. Additionally, a memorial plaque titled "November 1, Day of Obstetricians and Gynecologists" was unveiled and signed by the attendees.
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