CanOSS and BORN Ontario Launch a New Obstetric Surveillance Initiative

The Canadian Obstetric Survey System (CanOSS), in partnership with BORN, is launching CanOSS Ontario, the first provincial pilot of a national initiative to understand severe maternal complications and turn what is learned into safer care.

The pilot will begin by tackling severe hemorrhage, known to be the leading cause of maternal deaths following childbirths in Ontario. The launch, taking place on October 5, 2026, coincides with the World Postpartum Hemorrhage Day, a global call to reduce maternal deaths due to excessive bleeding following childbirth. Future review cycles will focus on other serious pregnancy-related conditions such as sepsis and preeclampsia. 

"Severe maternal complications are rarely explained by one factor alone. Understanding what sits behind them is essential if we want to improve care."
Dr. Rohan D'Souza, CanOSS Ontario Project Lead

A new approach to maternal health obstetric surveillance

CanOSS Ontario uses confidential, multidisciplinary case reviews to examine the full circumstances surrounding severe complications. The initiative focuses on identifying patterns, uncovering modifiable factors, and translating findings into improvements in care across the province.

A partnership for system-wide learning

BORN provides the registry infrastructure for the pilot, including data collection, governance, privacy protection, and knowledge translation. CanOSS Ontario is leading the confidential enquiry process, synthesis of findings and dissemination of actionable strategies.

“At BORN Ontario, we believe every pregnancy and birth has something to teach us. While maternal deaths are rare, maternal complications resulting in severe morbidity affect many more women and families across our province. By helping our system understand and learn from these experiences, we can move beyond counting adverse events to preventing them.”
Alicia St. Hill, Executive Director of BORN Ontario

CanOSS Ontario and BORN Ontario gratefully acknowledge the 25 participating birthing facilities and the 40 members of the CanOSS Ontario College of Assessors for their time, expertise, and commitment to strengthening maternal health care across Ontario. Their contributions are essential to building a system that learns from serious complications and turns those lessons into safer care. 

CanOSS Ontario Leads

• Dr. Rohan D'Souza, Project Lead, CanOSS
• Mireille Cloutier, Clinical Engagement Manager, BORN Ontario

Learn More
Connect with our team to learn more about the CanOSS Ontario initiative.