Asking different questions: research priorities to improve the quality of care for every woman, every child

Unacceptably high rates of adverse outcomes persist for childbearing women and infants, including maternal and newborn mortality, stillbirth, and short-term and long-term morbidity.1 In light of the challenges to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals, it is timely to reconsider priorities for research in maternal and newborn health. Are we asking the right questions?2 Recent evidence indicates the importance of seeking knowledge beyond the treatment of complications, to inform better ways of providing sustainable, high quality care, including preventing problems before they occur.