Socioeconomic Inequalities in Maternity Care Utilization: Evidence From Egypt, Jordan and Yemen

We examine the socioeconomic inequalities in maternity care utilization in Egypt, Jordan and Yemen after the Arab Spring. The level of inequality is severe in Yemen, moderate in Egypt and minor in Jordan. Socioeconomic disparities in maternity care utilization are mainly a result of the lack of economic resources and its correlates among the poor. The political instability in the region did not hinder Egypt and Jordan from improving maternal health indicators at the national level. Increasing women education and poverty reduction measures focusing on rural communities could help narrow the inequalities in maternity care and hence improves population health outcomes.