Maternal health is everyday health.

A healthy pregnancy starts with a healthy you. Maternal health is everyday health — start now by getting your annual exams, regular cancer screenings, regular STD/STI tests, and other preventive care services. Talk to your provider when you’re planning on becoming pregnant, and know the risk signs of potential complications.

In the United States, roughly 700 women die every year from a pregnancy-related illness or complication. Due to systemic racism and economic inequity, this crisis disproportionately impacts Black mothers:

• Black mothers are 3 to 4 times more likely to die as a result of pregnancy complications than white mothers
• Black mothers experience the systemic racism, bias, and discrimination built into our health care system — impacting health outcomes
• Due to these factors, Black mothers are at a higher risk of pre-existing health conditions that may cause a difficult pregnancy or potential complications
• Black mothers face more barriers to accessing primary care, preventive care, and prenatal care

PPSNE is committed to fighting these health disparities and ensuring everyone has access to the care and information they need to be healthy and make decisions about how, if, and when to start a family — no matter what.