01/23/2026
Maternal Health Awareness Day is a reminder that improving maternal outcomes requires action, not just awareness.
Preventable complications remain a leading cause of maternal illness and death, often driven by gaps in access to quality care, delayed treatment, and inequities in health systems. In Iowa, 57% of counties do not have an obstetric facility (AMA) and one third of counties are considered maternity care deserts (March of Dimes).
Evidence shows that early and consistent prenatal care and a strong postpartum follow-up improve outcomes for both mothers and babies, but too many communities in Iowa lack access to nearby maternity care. We need to invest in improving and expanding our maternal health systems because better healthcare leads to healthier moms, healthier babies, and stronger Iowa communities. 💜