We’re helping build a brighter future for maternal health in America
Our Merck for Mothers initiative is partnering to drive change across the country for women who are pregnant through postpartum
November 6, 2025
Maternal health is a vital sign of a society’s well-being — one that reflects the strength of our health systems, equity in access and the dignity afforded to every woman in her care journey. Yet with the highest maternal mortality rate among high-income nations and more than 80% of these deaths deemed preventable, the U.S. lags significantly behind.
Infants in the U.S. were born to mothers receiving inadequate prenatal care in 2023
Women in the U.S. with a recent live birth reported symptoms of postpartum depression in 2018
Women died of maternal causes in the U.S. in 2023
Too many women face obstacles at each stage of the pregnancy journey — but hope is on the horizon
“Local and community-led initiatives are emerging as powerful catalysts for creating a healthier future for all,” said Kalahn Taylor-Clark, Ph.D., MPH, Merck’s VP and head of Social Impact and Sustainability.
Taylor-Clark and other leaders at Merck for Mothers, our company’s global initiative to help create a world where no woman has to die while giving life, recently weighed in on “the essential work that remains to drive transformative improvements in maternal health,” in a series for Health Affairs. Below, find key points from each stage of the pregnancy journey — and learn how their approach to partner with community organizations is making a difference.
Pregnancy: Laying the foundation for healthier outcomes
Access to quality prenatal care from the start is crucial. Without early and regular visits, women face higher complication risks, and their babies are more susceptible to low birth weight and increased infant mortality. Merck for Mothers, which has reached more than 34 million women worldwide through programs promoting safe, high-quality, respectful care, created the Safer Childbirth Cities initiative to address this. The initiative helps 20 city-based coalitions across the U.S. implement strategies to support pregnant people.
For example, in New Jersey, where our company is headquartered, the Trenton Health Team provides safe transportation to clinics so women can access crucial prenatal care. In San Francisco, SisterWeb doulas are empowering mothers to advocate for themselves and access necessary care. These initiatives are part of a growing national movement setting a precedent for broader, transformative change.
Safe delivery: Vital solutions for improving maternal health
More than half of pregnancy-related maternal deaths occur after delivery, often because of latent co-morbidities like hypertension and diabetes.
A significant challenge is lack of awareness about postpartum risks and warning signs. To combat this, the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses, supported by Merck for Mothers, has launched the Post-Birth Warning Signs education program, equipping health care providers, parents and families with crucial knowledge about post-delivery complications, empowering them to act swiftly.
Simultaneously, efforts like the Hear Her campaign are amplifying women’s voices, raising awareness about the importance of speaking up.
Postpartum: Navigating challenges with comprehensive support
The postpartum period, especially in the first 12 weeks — also coined the “fourth trimester” — is a time of not only physical recovery but also substantial emotional and social adjustment. The needs of mothers during this period are often overlooked, with limited access to mental health resources exacerbating the problem.
Efforts are being made to strengthen screening for perinatal mood disorders. For instance, the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, in part through support from Merck for Mothers, developed The Lifeline for Moms Perinatal Mental Health Tool Kit, a comprehensive resource with actionable information, algorithms and clinical insights to help obstetric providers effectively address perinatal mental health conditions.
Economic factors can further intensify postpartum challenges. With support from Merck for Mothers, Baby2Baby is expanding its maternal health and newborn supply kit program, providing essential items like diapers and breastfeeding supplies. By easing financial burdens, the organization helps enable mothers to focus on their health and their baby’s well-being.
The path forward
Transforming maternal health requires more than medical intervention — it requires a cultural and systemic shift toward wraparound, person-centered care at every stage, plus collective action.
“Working together, we can create a system that truly values and helps protect the health of all mothers. It’s essential to focus not only on supporting health care providers but also on supporting friends, family, and the broader community—the entire village of care surrounding pregnant women.”
- Jacquelyn Caglia
Head of Merck for Mothers
Learn more about Merck for Mothers.
