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Health

Maternal Health Solutions

Alarming disparities in maternal health are a critical concern nationwide. We believe that community-centered solutions already exist to address these disparities, but they require more investment. From our investments in culturally concordant maternal healthcare models, to initiatives supporting local and national maternal health leaders, to health system insights, we work to ensure equitable access to quality maternal healthcare, foster healthier communities, and address health disparities.

Fellowship for Black Maternal Health

Aligned to our maternal health work, Chicago Beond launched our first-ever Fellowship for Black Maternal Health in 2025, announcing four incredible leaders who are reshaping what’s possible in communities across the country.
Reduce Pregnancy Related Mortality
2-3x

Pregnancy-related mortality rates among Black and
American Indians and Alaska Natives (AIAN) women are over three and two times higher, respectively, compared to the rate for White women.

Source: KFF

Promote Culturally-Centered Care
50%

A 2020 study of 1.8 million hospital births found that when Black newborns are cared for by Black physicians, the mortality penalty they suffer, as compared with white infants, is halved. This adds to a growing body of evidence that culturally-centered care can positively impact health outcomes for BIPOC women and children.

Source: The Washington Post

Expand Birth Center Access
5%

While less than 5% of birth centers in the U.S. are led by people of color, research shows that use of community-based approaches like doulas and free-standing birth centers – particularly BIPOC-owned, culturally-centered birth centers – can reduce maternal morbidity and mortality for BIPOC women and birthing people.

Source: Forbes, Commonwealth Fund

Our Approach

    • Investments
      Our investments in the maternal health system seek to increase the impact of community-centered solutions and create a world that is healthier for all mothers and children. Our investment partners are building birth center networks, embedding culturally concordant care models within systems, attending to the holistic health needs of their communities, and more.
    • Initiatives
      Our initiatives in maternal health include our local work with the Chicago South Side Birth Center, as well as our national Fellowship for Black Maternal Health. Announced at the Clinton Global Initiative, the Fellowship for Black Maternal Health aims to collaboratively resource, support, and elevate the work of birth justice leaders across the country.
    • Insights
      We share our reflections and learnings with the maternal health field. From national op-eds penned by Jeanine Valrie Logan, our Leader in Residence, to our virtual and in-person events on the state of reproductive justice, Chicago Beyond is meaningfully engaging in dialogues to advance healthy outcomes and eliminate maternal health disparities.
  • Investments
    Our investments in the maternal health system seek to increase the impact of community-centered solutions and create a world that is healthier for all mothers and children. Our investment partners are building birth center networks, embedding culturally concordant care models within systems, attending to the holistic health needs of their communities, and more.
  • Initiatives
    Our initiatives in maternal health include our local work with the Chicago South Side Birth Center, as well as our national Fellowship for Black Maternal Health. Announced at the Clinton Global Initiative, the Fellowship for Black Maternal Health aims to collaboratively resource, support, and elevate the work of birth justice leaders across the country.
  • Insights
    We share our reflections and learnings with the maternal health field. From national op-eds penned by Jeanine Valrie Logan, our Leader in Residence, to our virtual and in-person events on the state of reproductive justice, Chicago Beyond is meaningfully engaging in dialogues to advance healthy outcomes and eliminate maternal health disparities.

Learn More About Our Initiatives in Health

Learn More About Our Insights in Health