Olivia Walton Pledges $100 Million to Cut U.S. Maternal Deaths
Walmart heiress Olivia Walton founded Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies America and committed $100 million over five years to halve the U.S. maternal mortality rate. She said her own postpartum experience in Arkansas showed gaps in care even with her resources, and noted the state's rate is about double the national average. The nonprofit plans grants, advocacy, and coalition-building, with $10 million each for Arkansas and Kansas, while Walton urged employers to strengthen benefits.
Olivia Walton, CEO of Ingeborg Investments, started Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies America in April. The nonprofit seeks to reduce U.S. maternal deaths by half over five years through grants, advocacy, storytelling, and coalition work. Arkansas and Kansas are each set to receive $10 million.
Walton, a mother of three, said her 2020 postpartum experience in Arkansas exposed gaps in care despite her family's wealth. She noted Arkansas's rate of mothers dying is about twice the national level, with especially severe risks for Black women and other women of color.
The pledge may draw more attention to maternal care gaps, especially in Arkansas and Kansas, where grants could support providers, doulas, midwives, and coalitions. Employers that expand pregnancy and postpartum benefits could see healthier outcomes and potentially lower costs, affecting working mothers and families. Still, a five-year, $100 million effort may not fully offset broader access challenges, so its influence could depend on sustained public and private participation.