This maternal death review has provided an in-depth analysis of all factors that relate to maternal deaths of seven provinces that represent seven geographical regions in Viet Nam. This survey demonstrates that the community-based maternal death reviews (verbal autopsies), facility-based maternal death service, confidential enquiries into maternal deaths, survey of severe morbidity (near misses) and clinical audits are very important for obtaining reliable accurate timely and relevant data on why mothers die. These reviews include all levels, even with families and communities in which individuals have the opportunity to express their views concerning the death of relatives.