GFWC joined our affiliate organization, March of Dimes, and 250 other organizations in signing a letter to urge Congress to enact the PREEMIE Reauthorization Act and the Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act, which reauthorize programs at the CDC to reduce preterm births and reduce maternal mortality and morbidity. This effort brings together a coalition of subject-matter experts and grassroots support, including representatives from obstetrics and gynecology, community-based organizations, including GFWC, patient advocacy groups, mental and behavioral health, forensic pathology, midwifery, nursing, maternal-fetal medicine, and public health.  

The U.S. has one of the highest maternal mortality and morbidity rates in the developed world. Annually, more than 30,000 women experience life-threatening complications during labor and delivery.

GFWC urges Congress to enact the bipartisan PREEMIE Reauthorization Act to expand research, education, and intervention strategies related to preterm birth, and the Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act to preserve the lives and health of mothers during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.