The aim of this study is to present the analysis of the leading causes of mortality found in all the cases of maternal death at the Hospital de Ginecobstetricia (HGO) and Hospital de Especialidades (HE) del Centro Médico Nacional de Occidente (CMNO), during a period of 12 years, to achieve a winder view and to find a solution to reduce maternal mortality (MM). We reviewed files and reports of the maternal mortality committee of 151 women who were hospitalized and died at the HGO and HE del CMNO in Gudalajara, Jalismo, México, between January first, 1985 and December 31, 1996. During this period the maternal death ratio was 64 per 100,000 live births. The main cause of maternal death was toxemia 25%, follow by hemorrhage 23%, pulmonary thromboembolism 16%, infection 13%, and anesthetic complications 6%. 73% were foreseen deaths and 23% were unforeseen deaths. At the patients arrival to the hospital 37% were avoidable deaths. 66% were direct obstetric deaths and 34% were avoidable deaths. 66% were direct obstetric deaths and 34% were indirects. In 50% of the cases the end of pregnancy was done by cesarean section. The professional responsibility existed in the 72% and the hospitalary in the 23%. We made an analysis related factors and we propose strategies to diminish the maternal mortality.