05/05/2026
This International Day of the Midwife, we spotlight the vital role of the Midwives Model of Care in addressing the maternal health crisis in the United States. While the U.S. currently faces the highest maternal mortality rate of any developed nation, a rate that rose by 37% between 2019 and 2022, the evidence shows that a shift toward midwifery could be the key to saving lives.
By providing affordable, practical care and identifying complications before they become fatal, midwifery can reduce maternal deaths by 22%. This model is especially critical in the United States, where Black women are 3-4 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women; midwifery’s focus on cultural competency and individualized care is essential to bridging these systemic disparities.
Midwifery is instrumental in closing the postpartum gap, a vital intervention considering that a staggering 52% of maternal deaths occur during the postnatal period. While the U.S. remains the only developed country that does not guarantee provider home visits or paid parental leave, midwives fill this void by conducting home visits that reduce physical strain and identify environmental health risks. Unlike the standard 15-minute face-to-face physician visit, midwives often provide hour-long appointments, offering the extended support necessary to address the relentless pressure of new parenthood. This comprehensive approach not only ensures physical safety but also actively supports mental health by reducing the risk of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
Today, we celebrate midwives all over the world. They are an essential part of the healthcare system.