Philanthropic Initiative Aims to Halve U.S. Maternal Deaths by 2031
A bipartisan campaign founded by philanthropists Olivia and Tom Walton announced a $100 million, five-year commitment to reduce the U.S. maternal mortality rate by half by 2031. The initiative will focus on improving data collection, expanding rural access, training midwives, and enhancing postpartum care. Leaders say the problem is solvable with better execution of existing knowledge.
The initiative’s data-driven approach is underscored by CDC figures showing 688 maternal deaths in 2024, with a rate of 19 per 100,000 live births—a slight rise from the prior year. State-level statistics lag significantly, with the most recent complete data from 2022. To address this, the Walton-backed nonprofit Heartland Forward has partnered with HHS on a 220-hospital data collaborative.
The plan draws on proven state models, such as California’s halving of its rate and New Jersey’s improvement from 47th place. Because Medicaid finances roughly 40% of U.S. births, states hold significant leverage. The campaign also backs federal bills like the Rural Obstetrics Readiness Act and the NIH IMPROVE Act, while seeking to use its $100 million to prompt matching state and corporate investments.
This initiative could meaningfully reduce maternal deaths, particularly for rural and Medicaid-dependent populations, by translating existing clinical knowledge into consistent practice. If the state-matching model succeeds, it may create a sustainable funding template beyond the initial $100 million. However, its impact depends on sustained political will and state-level adoption, which could vary. The emphasis on data and midwifery training may also shift broader healthcare norms, potentially improving postpartum care for all birthing people.