In the Republic of Croatia, the perinatal mortality, as an indicator of perinatal care, has decreased from 38.6% in 1950-54 to 10.9% in 1989 which means that today it is on the low mortality level like in the Middle- and West-European countries. The decline of perinatal mortality is especially evident after 1985. There are pronounced differences within the different regions of the Republic of Croatia, the lowest perinatal mortality is in the town of Zagreb and in the central Croatia, while the highest one in the region of Bjelovar, Slavonia and Dalmatia. Comparing the data from 29 maternity hospitals and taking into account a decrease in the number of hospitals with high perinatal mortality (48% in 1972 to zero in 1990) and an increase in the number of hospitals with low mortality (11 or 38% with mortality less than 10% in 1990), an increase of the delivery frequency completed by cesarean section was found: in 1990 there were 31% of the maternity hospitals with more than 10%, 45% with 6-10% and 24% with less than 6% of cesarean sections. Over recent years the maternity hospitals are better supplied with the necessary medical equipment: in 1990 97% of the hospitals were provided with cardiotocographs, 97% with ultrasound apparatuses and 90% with baby incubators. A sufficient number of specialists in gynecology and obstetrics is available, while there are lacking 21 specialists in pediatrics--neonatology, what is one third of the required number.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)