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Background Disparity in maternal mortality exists between rural-urban migrant and urban resident women in China, but little research has provided evidence for related policy development. The objective of this study was to identify associations with and risks for maternal death among rural-urban migrant women in order to improve health services for migrant women and reduce maternal mortality in China. Methods We conducted a prospective case-control study in urban areas of Guangdong, Zhejiang and Fujian provinces and Beijing municipality. In each, migrant women who died between July 1, 2010 and October 1, 2011 were identified through reports from China's Maternal and Child Mortality Surveillance System. For each, four matched controls were selected from migrant women who delivered in local hospitals during the same period. We compared sociodemographic characteristics, health status and health service variables between cases and controls, and used bivariate and multivariate conditional logistic regression analyses to determine associations with and risk factors for maternal death. Results 109 cases and 436 controls were assessed. Family income <2000 yuan per month (OR = 4.5; 95%CI 1.7-11.7) and lack of health insurance (OR = 1.3; 95%CI 1.1-1.6) were more common amongst women who died, as were lack of antenatal care (ANC) (OR = 22.3; 95%CI 4.3- 116.0) and attending ANC only 1-4 times (OR = 5.0; 95%CI 1.6-15.5). Knowledge of danger signs during delivery was less common in this group (OR = 0.3; 95%CI 0.1-0.8). Conclusion Differences existed between migrant women who died in pregnancy and surviving controls. The identified risk factors suggest strategies for health sector and community action on reducing maternal mortality among migrant women in China. A systematic approach to maternity care for rural-urban migrant women is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]