Helping Mothers Thrive

The U.S. currently ranks lower than all other developed countries regarding maternal death rates. Black women are 3 – 4 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women and are more likely to experience premature births. The morbidity and mortality that occur among Black pregnant and postpartum people are preventable.  All expectant people have the right to safe and respectful maternal health care that supports healthy pregnancies and births. Before, during, and after pregnancy, every person needs access to quality health services, information and the social and economic resources to help them be as healthy as possible.

CHC: Creating Healthier Communities with support from the Elevance Health Foundation has launched the Black Birthing Initiative focused on reducing the high rates of preterm births among Black women and birthing people. We recognize safe and respectful maternal health care as a health equity and human rights throughout the U.S. 

The Impact

Join us in addressing the unjust differences in preventable maternal mortality in the United States. With your support of our Black Birthing Initiative, we hope to help:

• Improve access to reproductive health care
• Ensure widespread availability of maternal health services that address the social determinants of health
• Improve the quality of maternal healthcare
• Ensure accountability to human rights standards on maternal health

To improve U.S. maternal health outcomes, we must prioritize Black women’s health and lives and commit to taking meaningful action.

Will you make a gift to ensure safe and respectful maternal care is available?

• Pledge a gift to support our Black Birthing Initiative
• Identify where you can best support the improvement of maternal health care
• Connect with women in the communities where they live to understand local barriers to prenatal and postnatal care
• Advocate for transformative investments in the health and well-being of expectant mothers throughout their life course