Objective This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of maternal death cases, the cause of maternal death and the cause of medical dispute,and recommended the relative prevention measures. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 35 cases of maternal death identified in the College of Forensic Medicine in Kunming Medical University from January 2002 to December 2012. Results In 35 maternal death cases: (1) Most maternal deaths are over 30 years old (14 cases, 40%), followed by 17 to 19 years old (6 cases, 17.1%) . And most maternal deaths came from countryside (25 cases,71.4%) . (2) 26 cases maternal deaths happened during the perinatal period (68.5%) . (3) 26 cases happened in county hospitals, township hospitals and informal medical organizations (74.3%) . 5 maternal deaths happened on the way to the hospital or at home (14.3%) . (4) 17 cases died of obstetric hemorrhagic shock (48.6%), 11 cases died of amniotic fluid embolism (31.4%), 2 cases died of amniotic fluid embolism and obstetric hemorrhagic shock (5.7%) . (5) 30 cases of medical disputes were caused by maternal death. Among them, the clinical diagnosis was not consistent with the pathological diagnosis in 20 cases (The misdiagnosis rate was 66.7%) . (6) The causes of medical dispute:clinical diagnosis was unknown in 11 cases (36.7%),11 cases were suspected that rescue was not timely or improper (36.7%),and 8 cases were suspected of misdiagnosis (26.6%) . Conclusion Obstetric hemorrhage and pulmonary amniotic fluid embolism were the main reasons of the maternal death. The incidence of maternal death and medical disputes could be reduced by improving the ability of obstetric staff,and strengthening the diagnosis and treatment about obstetric hemorrhage and pulmonary amniotic fluid embolism. At the same time, women should improve their self-care awareness, reduce early marriage and early pregnancy,and enhance the consciousness of hospital treat and cure.