Maternal mortality has declined considerably over the last two decades, from 796 per 100,000 live births in 1995 to 357 per 100,000 live births in 2009. Still, the Lao PDR has one of the highest maternal mortality ratios in the region. Births attended by a medical professional jumped from 14% in 1995 to 42% in 2009, but the number still falls short of the 50% target. Further, facility-based deliveries are still low at 38%. There continue to be massive disparities in delivery assistance, with the safe-delivery rate in urban areas six times higher than in remote rural areas. To achieve the 2015 targets, the Lao PDR will need to improve the quality of services, promote facility-based delivery and prevent high-risk and unwanted pregnancies. Family planning alone could cut maternal deaths by almost a third and is one of the most cost-effective interventions to help reduce maternal mortality. Mobilization and health education activities will need to target women and men from communities in the remote rural areas.