TOKYO —

The United States continues to face a critical public health crisis concerning maternal mortality, with rates significantly higher than those of other developed nations. Disturbingly, a substantial majority of these deaths are deemed preventable, highlighting profound systemic gaps in healthcare delivery. A new national poll conducted by the bipartisan campaign Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies America reveals an overwhelming public consensus, with over 80% of voters supporting comprehensive solutions to address this escalating issue, transcending political, geographical, age, and gender divides. This widespread agreement underscores a powerful mandate for policymakers to act decisively.

Maternal deaths are mostly preventable, and voters across the aisle agree on the fix

The Alarming Reality of Maternal Mortality in the U.S.

Maternal deaths are mostly preventable, and voters across the aisle agree on the fix

Having a baby in the United States remains a considerably riskier endeavor than in any other high-income country. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) consistently points to the U.S. having one of the highest maternal mortality rates among wealthy nations. For instance, recent figures have shown rates far exceeding those in countries like Canada, the UK, Germany, and Australia. The danger to new mothers is not confined to the delivery room; pregnancy-related deaths occur throughout the prenatal period, during childbirth, and, in a significant proportion of cases—approximately one-third—within the year following birth. This extended postpartum period, often overlooked in traditional care models, is when medical attention frequently diminishes, creating critical vulnerabilities for new mothers.

Maternal deaths are mostly preventable, and voters across the aisle agree on the fix

The causes of these tragic outcomes are varied but often linked to conditions that could be managed or prevented with adequate care. Leading causes include cardiovascular conditions, blood clots, preeclampsia (a serious pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure), and peripartum cardiomyopathy. Additionally, maternal mental health challenges, such as severe postpartum depression and anxiety disorders, contribute to a substantial number of deaths, particularly those categorized as "deaths of despair." The CDC estimates a staggering 87% of all pregnancy-related deaths across these stages are preventable, a statistic that lays bare the systemic failures rather than inherent medical complexities. These preventable deaths frequently stem from missed warning signs, insufficient screening, lack of access to specialized care, and a fragmented approach to postpartum follow-up.

Maternal deaths are mostly preventable, and voters across the aisle agree on the fix

Compounding this crisis are profound health disparities. Black, Indigenous, and other women of color experience maternal mortality at rates two to three times higher than white women, even when controlling for socioeconomic status and education. Rural communities also face disproportionate challenges, often characterized by "maternal care deserts" where access to obstetricians, hospitals with labor and delivery units, and other vital maternal health services is severely limited or non-existent. These disparities underscore that the crisis is not uniform but deeply embedded within existing inequities in the healthcare system.

Maternal deaths are mostly preventable, and voters across the aisle agree on the fix

Systemic Gaps in Maternal Care

Maternal deaths are mostly preventable, and voters across the aisle agree on the fix

The current standard of maternal care in the U.S. is often criticized for its inadequacy, particularly after birth. The traditional six-week postpartum checkup is frequently the last formal medical encounter a new mother has, despite evidence suggesting that many serious complications arise weeks or even months later. This model assumes that the "hard part" is over once the baby is home, neglecting the immense physical, hormonal, and psychological changes a mother undergoes during the entire first year postpartum.

Maternal deaths are mostly preventable, and voters across the aisle agree on the fix

Healthcare providers, constrained by insurance coverage limitations and systemic pressures, often cannot offer the sustained support that is medically necessary. This creates significant gaps:

Maternal deaths are mostly preventable, and voters across the aisle agree on the fix
  • Lack of Continuous Monitoring: Conditions like preeclampsia, cardiac issues, and deep vein thrombosis can develop or worsen after the six-week mark, yet routine monitoring is often absent.
  • Mental Health Oversight: Approximately one in five mothers experiences anxiety, depression, or birth-related PTSD in the postnatal period. Without consistent screening and follow-up, these conditions can escalate untreated, with devastating consequences. Philanthropist Olivia Walton, founder of Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies America, noted, "We require a car seat before a newborn can leave the hospital, so why do we send new mothers home with little more than a glib ‘see you in six weeks’?" This rhetorical question encapsulates the critical lapse in care.
  • Geographical Barriers: For women in rural areas, traveling long distances for appointments becomes a significant burden, often leading to skipped visits or delayed care. The closure of over 139 rural hospital labor and delivery units since 2020 has exacerbated this problem, leaving only 41% of rural hospitals still offering these services, according to Walton.
  • Provider Shortages: A national shortage of obstetricians, gynecologists, and other maternal health specialists means that even when women can travel, appointments may be scarce, and wait times long.

A Unified Call for Comprehensive Solutions

Maternal deaths are mostly preventable, and voters across the aisle agree on the fix

Despite the complexity of the maternal health crisis, the solutions are remarkably straightforward and enjoy broad public support. The Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies America poll identified several key policy interventions that resonated strongly with voters:

Maternal deaths are mostly preventable, and voters across the aisle agree on the fix

  1. A Full Year of Postpartum Health Coverage (83% support): Extending health coverage for a full year post-delivery is crucial to capture and treat complications that emerge after the traditional six-week visit. This would ensure mothers receive necessary care for conditions ranging from persistent hypertension and diabetes to mental health disorders and chronic pain. Such a measure would align the U.S. with many other developed nations that recognize the critical importance of a robust postpartum recovery period.

    Maternal deaths are mostly preventable, and voters across the aisle agree on the fix

  2. Nurse Home Visits in the First Two Weeks (85% support): Implementing routine nurse home visits shortly after birth offers a proactive layer of care. These visits allow healthcare professionals to assess the mother’s physical recovery (checking stitches, monitoring blood pressure, screening for infections or hemorrhages), provide lactation support, evaluate the newborn’s health, and crucially, screen for early signs of postpartum depression or anxiety. Walton refers to this as "dyadic care," where both mother and baby are assessed as a unit, a common practice in many European countries that significantly improves early detection and intervention.

    Maternal deaths are mostly preventable, and voters across the aisle agree on the fix

  3. Expanded Telehealth and Specialty Care for Rural and High-Risk Pregnancies (88% support): Given the closure of numerous rural labor and delivery units, telehealth offers a vital lifeline. It allows women in underserved areas to consult with obstetricians and maternal-fetal medicine specialists without enduring lengthy, often prohibitive, travel. This expansion would leverage technology to bridge geographical divides, ensuring timely access to expert care for routine check-ups and the early detection of high-risk conditions.

    Maternal deaths are mostly preventable, and voters across the aisle agree on the fix

  4. Training More Kinds of Maternal Health Workers (86% support): The current healthcare workforce is insufficient to meet the needs of all pregnant and postpartum individuals. Expanding the training and utilization of a diverse team of maternal health workers is essential.

    Maternal deaths are mostly preventable, and voters across the aisle agree on the fix
    • Midwives: Capable of managing most low-risk pregnancies, midwives can significantly alleviate the burden on obstetricians, allowing specialists to focus on higher-risk cases.
    • Doulas: Research indicates that doula support improves birth outcomes, reduces C-section rates, and enhances the birthing person’s experience through continuous emotional and physical support.
    • Community Health Workers: These trusted individuals, often from the communities they serve, can provide invaluable support by connecting families to resources, offering health education, and serving as early warning detectors for potential complications at home. As Walton stated, "Care is a team, not a single gatekeeper."

Bipartisan Support: A Political Imperative

Maternal deaths are mostly preventable, and voters across the aisle agree on the fix

The poll’s findings are a rare beacon of bipartisan agreement in an often-polarized political landscape. Across 15 tested policies related to maternal health, support consistently exceeded 80%, regardless of a respondent’s political affiliation (Republican or Democrat), geographical location (rural or urban), age (25 or 65), or parental status. This robust, consistent support signals that maternal health is not a partisan issue but a fundamental concern for American families.

Maternal deaths are mostly preventable, and voters across the aisle agree on the fix

Olivia Walton expressed her satisfaction with the poll’s revelation, stating, "It wasn’t any single policy. It was the consistency." She noted that support for these measures even increased after respondents were given basic facts about the maternal health crisis, climbing from 77% to 86% overall, with Democrats showing the most significant shift. This indicates that informed citizens are even more likely to champion these reforms. The broad public backing provides a powerful impetus for legislators to move forward, knowing that they have their constituents’ overwhelming approval.

Maternal deaths are mostly preventable, and voters across the aisle agree on the fix

Pathways to Progress: The Arkansas Model

Maternal deaths are mostly preventable, and voters across the aisle agree on the fix

The feasibility of these solutions is not theoretical; successful models already exist. Arkansas, for example, has implemented innovative policies that serve as a blueprint for other states. The state’s Medicaid program now covers doula services, recognizing their proven benefits in improving birth outcomes. Furthermore, a nurse-staffed call center actively engages new mothers, helping to pull them into prenatal care sooner and ensuring continuity. According to Walton, Arkansas is one of only six states where the CDC has observed an improvement in prenatal access since 2021. This success story demonstrates that with political will and strategic investment, significant improvements in maternal health outcomes are achievable. The challenge now lies in scaling these proven models across the nation.

Maternal deaths are mostly preventable, and voters across the aisle agree on the fix

Challenges and Broader Implications

Maternal deaths are mostly preventable, and voters across the aisle agree on the fix

While the path forward is clear and widely supported, implementing these comprehensive solutions will not be without challenges. Significant financial investment will be required to expand postpartum coverage, establish widespread home visit programs, develop telehealth infrastructure, and train a diverse maternal health workforce. However, the long-term economic and social benefits of a healthier maternal population far outweigh these initial costs. Improved maternal health leads to healthier families, stronger communities, and a more robust workforce. Preventing maternal deaths and severe morbidities reduces healthcare expenditures associated with emergency interventions and chronic conditions.

Maternal deaths are mostly preventable, and voters across the aisle agree on the fix

Policy hurdles will also need to be navigated. Federal and state legislation will be necessary to standardize extended postpartum coverage, incentivize provider training, and ensure equitable access to care. Healthcare organizations and insurance providers will need to adapt their practices and coverage models. Furthermore, addressing the deep-seated racial and rural disparities will require targeted interventions and a commitment to health equity at every level of policy development and implementation.

Maternal deaths are mostly preventable, and voters across the aisle agree on the fix

Empowering Advocacy and Voter Action

Maternal deaths are mostly preventable, and voters across the aisle agree on the fix

Perhaps the most compelling finding from the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies America poll is its practical implication for political action: 8 out of 10 voters indicated they are more likely to support a candidate who prioritizes maternal health. This statistic transforms maternal health from a niche issue into a potent force at the ballot box. Mothers, fathers, and concerned citizens now have a clear metric by which to evaluate their representatives and demand accountability.

Maternal deaths are mostly preventable, and voters across the aisle agree on the fix

The opportunity to effect change is palpable. Advocacy groups like HMHBA’s Momtourage and Chamber of Mothers provide platforms for individuals to engage, amplify their voices, and pressure elected officials. By contacting representatives and asking pointed questions about their stance on year-long postpartum care, nurse home visits, and expanded telehealth for rural mothers, constituents can directly influence policy decisions. The evidence is clear: preventable deaths are occurring, effective and affordable solutions exist, and the public is united in its demand for action. The moment for sustained pressure and transformative change in U.S. maternal healthcare is now.