This study estimates the maternal mortality rate in Taiwan during 1984-88 based on vital statistics records and interviews with family members of deceased mothers aged 10-49 years. Findings indicate that 27717 women aged 10-49 years died in Taiwan during 1984-88. 22121 deaths were followed up in interviews with family members; 479 deaths occurred during pregnancy or shortly after pregnancy ended. 233 deaths were due to direct maternal causes. 41 maternal deaths were also identified from the 5050 death certificate records that were not followed-up. The official maternal mortality rate during 1984-88 was 10.3 deaths/100000 live births. This study estimated 274 maternal deaths and a revised maternal mortality rate of 16.4 deaths/100000 live births. Pregnancy-related mortality during 1984-88 declined from 35.5/100000 to 28.9/100000. Maternal mortality declined from 20.3/100000 to 16.4/100000. The maternal mortality rate declined by 20% and the nonmaternal mortality rate declined by 17%. Maternal mortality was reestimated to account for the 19% of women who died during the study period who were not followed-up. The number of maternal deaths increased by 13 deaths among the 5050 non-followed-up deaths to 287 maternal deaths. The reestimated maternal mortality rate was 17.2 deaths/100000 live births. This study demonstrates that half of the actual maternal deaths can be identified from vital reporting systems and hospital records.