The United States continues to face one of the highest maternal mortality rates among developed nations, a crisis that has persisted for decades. Behind each statistic is a family forever changed, and the urgency to act has never been greater. Joe Kiani, Masimo and Willow Laboratories founder, is known for advancing technology that brings timely, usable information to those most at risk, a contribution especially relevant in maternal health. Preventable deaths in maternal care are not only a failure of medicine but also a reflection of systemic inequities.
Targeted investments in maternal health can help close this gap. Resources devoted to early detection, access to skilled providers, and ongoing postpartum support can make the difference between tragedy and survival. Addressing maternal mortality is not just about improving individual outcomes but also about building a healthcare system that values equity and compassion at its core.
The Stark Inequities
Data reveal that maternal mortality disproportionately affects women of color, particularly Black and Indigenous mothers, who die at rates two to three times higher than white women. These disparities cannot be explained by income or education alone because they are rooted in structural inequities, implicit bias, and unequal access to quality care.
Addressing this inequity requires intentional strategies that recognize systemic racism as a determinant of health. Training clinicians to recognize bias, ensuring access to culturally competent care, and directing resources to underserved communities are essential steps. Only by confronting inequities directly can the maternal mortality gap begin to narrow.
Investing in Prenatal and Postpartum Care
Quality prenatal care sets the stage for safe pregnancies, yet too many women lack access to consistent checkups, screenings, and counseling. Early interventions can detect conditions like pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes, both of which pose serious risks if untreated. Expanding access to affordable and comprehensive prenatal services is a proven way to reduce complications.
The postpartum period is equally critical, though often neglected. Many maternal deaths occur weeks or months after delivery, when new mothers are no longer under the same medical supervision. Investment in postpartum care, including follow-up visits, mental health support, and home-based monitoring, can prevent countless deaths. A continuum of care that begins before birth and extends well afterward is essential for saving lives.
Technology as a Lifeline
Smarter monitoring systems are beginning to show promise in maternal care. Remote devices that track blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels can alert providers to complications earlier, particularly in women at substantial risk for pre-eclampsia or hemorrhage. These tools extend the reach of clinicians and provide reassurance to families navigating fragile recoveries.
Joe Kiani, Masimo founder, is known for developing technology that gives both patients and providers timely, usable information. In maternal health, that approach supports real-time connections between women and their care teams, reducing risks and offering dignity during recovery. By making monitoring continuous and accessible, these innovations help close gaps that too often cost lives.
Supporting the Workforce
Investment in maternal care is not only about technology but also about people. The United States faces shortages of obstetricians, midwives, and nurses, particularly in rural areas where maternity wards have closed at alarming rates. These gaps leave women traveling long distances to give birth or relying on facilities unequipped for emergencies.
Bolstering the workforce requires targeted funding for training programs, incentives to serve in underserved areas, and expanded roles for midwives and doulas. Evidence shows that community-based providers improve outcomes, especially when they share cultural or linguistic ties with the women they serve. Supporting the workforce strengthens the foundation of maternal care and ensures that every community has the expertise it needs.
Policy Solutions for Equity
Policy is central to closing the maternal mortality gap. Expanding Medicaid coverage for mothers up to a year postpartum has already shown benefits in states that have adopted it, reducing the number of women who lose access to care after delivery. Federal and state programs that direct funding toward maternal health equity initiatives amplify these efforts.
At the same time, policies must hold systems accountable for outcomes. Public reporting of maternal mortality rates, stratified by race and ethnicity, helps highlight inequities and drives change. Policymakers can also incentivize hospitals to adopt evidence-based practices, such as hemorrhage protocols and bias training, that directly impact survival.
Listening to Mothers
No policy or program will succeed unless the voices of women themselves inform it. Mothers often know when something feels wrong, yet too many reports are being dismissed or ignored by providers. Listening to patients, taking their concerns seriously, and acting on them is one of the simplest yet most powerful interventions available.
Joe Kiani, Masimo founder, has built his work around patient-centered care, advancing innovations that reflect the realities of those they serve. When healthcare systems embed patient voices into decision-making, interventions become more relevant and effective. Trust grows when women see their experiences shape the design of care, and that trust is essential to saving lives.
Global Lessons, Local Applications
While the United States struggles with maternal mortality, other countries have demonstrated success through targeted investments. Nations that have strengthened midwifery programs, expanded access to prenatal care, and standardized emergency protocols have achieved significant reductions in deaths. These global lessons can be adapted to fit local contexts, offering a roadmap for U.S. policymakers.
At the local level, grassroots organizations have already begun filling gaps. Community-based programs that pair mothers with navigators or doulas have improved outcomes, particularly in underserved neighborhoods. Scaling these efforts nationally would bring the benefits of global best practices home, tailored to the realities of American communities.
Sustaining Commitment to Maternal Health
Closing the maternal mortality gap requires more than isolated fixes; it demands long-term dedication across every level of healthcare. When urgency and equity guide decisions, investments in care, technology, workforce, and policy can reshape maternal outcomes. The benefits extend well beyond safer pregnancies, strengthening families and communities alike.
This crisis is urgent but also solvable. By listening to women, supporting providers, and embedding equity in every layer of the system, the United States can move closer to the promise of safe motherhood for all. The true question is not whether resources exist, but whether there is the will to act with consistency and resolve.