When mothers and babies receive comprehensive care before, during, and after birth, they’re much more likely to lead healthy lives. However, in NYC, Black women and birthing people are more likely to die from preventable pregnancy-related death compared to white birthing people. We must all take action to ensure women and birthing people and their babies have the support they need to thrive.

FPHNYC works closely with the NYC Health Department to address health inequities and improve the experiences of the thousands of people who rely on NYC’s maternal and infant health services, such as the Citywide Doula Initiative. Read our blog post “A NYC Doula Helps Her Clients” as well as this LinkedIn post by NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin on the occasion of Black Maternal Health Week 2026.