Supporting Communities, Transforming Maternal Health: A Spotlight on the Safer Childbirth Cities Initiative

We are excited to announce the publication of "Supporting Communities, Transforming Maternal Health: A Spotlight on the Safer Childbirth Cities Initiative" evaluation report by Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA). This report delves into the achievements of SCC grantees, highlighting effective community-led solutions and catalyzing increased investments in maternal health innovation. Learn how SCC grantees have provided care to thousands and contributed to major policy wins in maternal health.

The U.S. is the only high-income country where maternal mortality is on the rise.


Racial disparities are stark and persistent. According to the CDC, Black, American Indian and Alaska Native women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than White women, a risk that increases when your lens focuses on cities across the U.S.

The U.S. is the only high-income country where maternal mortality is on the rise.
Most maternal deaths are preventable.

Most maternal deaths are preventable.


Findings from the CDC indicate that at least 80% of all maternal deaths in America could have been prevented. Maternal mortality review committees have found that these untimely deaths are not just a medical issue. Community factors and the social determinants of health - the conditions in which people live and work - contribute to poor maternal health outcomes.

We believe in community-led solutions.


Safer Childbirth Cities seeks to be a catalyst for the focused, locally-tailored engagement needed to bring community resources together to strengthen health systems for all to help women have healthy pregnancies, safe childbirths and life-long well-being.

Learn more about our community-based partners in 20 cities

We believe in community-led solutions.