Liberia faces 323 extra maternal deaths annually
US$2.4 million in health funding cuts since 2025 threaten reproductive care and contraception access for 327,700 women.
Liberia could see an additional 323 maternal deaths each year if United States and Swedish funding cuts for family planning and reproductive health continue, a Guttmacher Institute report states. The report, released in November 2026, warns that the country has lost at least US$2.4 million in support since 2025, risking access to contraception for approximately 327,700 women and couples annually.
These funding reductions, stemming from the US withdrawal of health support in early 2025 and Sweden's decision to phase out development assistance in December 2025, could lead to more than 107,600 unintended pregnancies and 37,800 unsafe abortions annually. US family planning disbursements have already declined by 34 percent, with support for 2026 expected to be near zero.
Adolescent girls are particularly vulnerable, facing increased risks of unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions due to reduced youth-friendly services and outreach. The report estimates an additional 22,400 unintended pregnancies and 9,300 unsafe abortions among adolescent girls each year if funding cuts persist, potentially impacting their education and future prospects.
Why it mattersLiberian women and girls face increased risks of maternal deaths, unintended pregnancies, and unsafe abortions due to reduced funding for reproductive health services.