The purpose of this report is to inform deliberations among policymakers and stakeholders. It summarises the best available evidence regarding the design and implementation of policies for improving skilled birth attendance. The report was prepared as a background document to be discussed at meetings attended by those engaged in developing policies on skilled birth attendance and people with an interest in such policies (stakeholders). It is not intended to prescribe or proscribe specific options or implementation strategies. Rather, its purpose is to allow policy makers and stakeholders to systematically and transparently consider the available evidence about the likely impacts of different options improving skilled birth in Ethiopia.