Maternal mortality refers to which of the following?

The term "maternal mortality" specifically refers to the deaths of women that occur during pregnancy, childbirth, or within a specific time period after delivery, typically within 42 days postpartum. Given this context, the most accurate interpretation aligns with the correct answer.

The option indicating "the number of deaths per thousand women giving birth" accurately captures the essence of maternal mortality as it provides a specific metric related to women who are in the process of giving birth. This metric is crucial for understanding the risks associated with pregnancy and childbirth among women and is often used in public health statistics to assess the safety of maternity care and the effectiveness of health services.

In contrast, the other options either do not focus solely on the context of childbirth and pregnancy or attempt to quantify mortality in broader or less specific ways. The distinction is essential because maternal mortality is a targeted public health measure that influences programs and policies aimed at improving maternal health and reducing fatalities associated with pregnancy-related complications.