Health and Safety Code section 123635


For the purposes of this section, the following terms apply:

(a)

“Maternal mortality” or “maternal death” means the death of a person during pregnancy or within a year from the end of pregnancy, and related to, or aggravated by, the pregnancy or birth, including, but not limited to, death by suicide.

(b)

“Pregnancy-associated death” means a death of a person while pregnant or within one year of the end of a pregnancy, regardless of the cause.

(c)

“Pregnancy-related death” means a death that occurs while pregnant or up to a year postpartum from any cause related to, or aggravated by, the pregnancy or its management, irrespective of the duration of the pregnancy.

(d)

“Severe maternal morbidity” means unexpected outcomes of pregnancy, labor, or delivery that result in significant short- or long-term consequences to the pregnant person’s mental or physical health.

Source: Section 123635, https://leginfo.­legislature.­ca.­gov/faces/codes_displaySection.­xhtml?lawCode=HSC§ionNum=123635.­ (updated Jan. 1, 2022; accessed Jul. 28, 2025).

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Jul. 28, 2025

§ 123635's source at ca​.gov