In the two decades from 1965 to 1985, maternal mortality fell sharply across Europe. Rates in my own country, the United Kingdom, fell by more than two-thirds. Romania was the exception. Its rates increased by almost 150%. In the two decades from 1965 to 1985, maternal mortality fell sharply across Europe. Rates in my own country, the United Kingdom, fell by more than two-thirds. Romania was the exception. Its rates increased by almost 150%.