The United States is facing a maternal health crisis: maternal and neonatal mortality rates are alarmingly high, with the US ranking as one of the most dangerous developed countries for childbirth. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 700 women die each year in the U.S. from pregnancy-related complications, and these rates are higher among Black, Indigenous, and women of color. Bias in maternal healthcare is a significant factor contributing to these disparities, leading to delayed or inappropriate care.

One actionable step to tackle this crisis is to standardize and mandate maternal early warning screenings nationwide. Maternal early warning systems (MEWS) are designed to quickly identify critical conditions such as severe hypertension, hemorrhage, and sepsis, which are leading causes of maternal deaths. By implementing standardized MEWS, healthcare providers can identify and respond to warning signs earlier, potentially saving the lives of mothers and their newborns.

Evidence supports the success of these systems in various healthcare settings, indicating a reduction in severe complications and maternal mortality rates. Standardization across the U.S. would help ensure all women receive timely, appropriate care, regardless of race or ethnicity, helping to dismantle systemic biases in maternal healthcare.

This petition calls on lawmakers, healthcare administrators, and policymakers to make maternal early warning screenings required in healthcare facilities across the United States. We must prioritize maternal health and take decisive action to protect mothers and babies from preventable complications and deaths.

Please join us in urging the implementation of these critical measures. Your support can help change the future of maternal healthcare in the United States. Sign the petition today and contribute to a safer, more equitable healthcare system for all mothers and their children.