May 5-12th is National Maternal Health Week.  The United States sadly sits at the bottom of the list for maternal mortality and morbidity rates amongst many of the developed nations in the world.  Bearing the brunt of poor outcomes in the US are Black families and other people of color. 

March for Moms is a three-year-old organization promoting legislation and keeping the following issues on the minds of consumers, perinatal professionals, and politicians in our federal, state and local governments:

• Rising maternal mortality and poor health outcomes - The rate of U.S. birthing people dying from causes related to pregnancy or childbirth continues to rise. More than 50% of deaths are preventable.
• Perinatal depression - 15-21% of pregnant people experience depression or anxiety. The United States does not have adequate programs in place to address, support, and treat those who need help.
• Health care inequities - African-Americans and Hispanics and Latinos experience disproportionately higher poor health outcomes, including more infant deaths than white peers. Black parents are 3-4 times more likely to die around the time of birth.
• Premature birth - Approximately 1 in 10 babies are born too early in the United States, and the number is on the rise. Families of color are disproportionately affected.
• Maternity and family leave policies - The United States is the only high-income country, and one of only eight countries in the world, that does not mandate paid leave for parents of newborns.
• Lack of access to health care - There are big pockets across the United States where pregnant people do not have access to maternity care and/or insurance.

Friday, May 10th will find March for Moms and members of their partner organizations (Lamaze International is a partner) visiting representatives on Capitol Hill to share details and facts that remind our politicians how important proper funding and legislation is to the lives of American families.  In fact, it saves lives.

Saturday, May 11th, the National Mall will be filled with both consumers and professionals gathered to listen to prominent leaders focused on the abhorrent maternal mortality and morbidity rates that are a fact of life in our country.  Raising awareness is imperative if we are to see improvements in the number of people dying or facing serious health problems as a result of growing their families.

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