Funding birth justice: Philanthropic solutions to the maternal health crisis

The way a society treats people who give birth says a lot about that society. Tragically, the gender- and race-based biases in American society are evident in health outcomes surrounding pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery.
Our country is in the midst of a maternal health crisis. The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate in the developed world and 60 percent of those deaths are preventable. Pregnancy-related mortality increased by as much as 20 percent during the pandemic. Black and Indigenous women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women, regardless of socio-economic status and geographic location.
As a philanthropist and mother, I believe every person giving birth deserves a positive experience; one that gives them confidence, respect, dignity, and the care they need. In this moment, when reproductive rights have been rolled back—especially in states with little to no social safety net—it is incumbent upon philanthropy to recognize the urgency of the maternal health crisis and step up to fund solutions. Critically, this issue demands not only greater attention and funding, but also grantmaking that is trust- and community-based. (author introduction) #P4HEwebinarOctober2024