Maternal and infant health inequities remain a significant challenge in the United States, disproportionately affecting historically marginalized communities. Despite gains in coverage through Affordable Care Act expansions, many women of reproductive age still face gaps in care and disparities in birth outcomes.

These inequities stem from lack of access created by systemic and social barriers, including discrimination and bias, language differences, and educational and economic inequities.

The Urban Institute, in collaboration with Policies for Action (P4A), a signature research program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, invites you to join this robust, solutions-based discussion. Together with researchers, policymakers, advocates, and health care providers, we will explore evidence, experience, and policy considerations to achieve maternal and infant health equity. The ultimate collective goal is to create a future in which reproductive health equity is a reality for families throughout the United States.

Agenda

Panel 1: How Increased Access to Maternal Care Affects Outcomes in Different Communities

Maternal health experiences vary widely across different communities, influenced by historical contexts, policy environments, and other factors. P4A researchers will discuss evidence about maternal health access, engagement, and outcomes among Hispanic, Native, and Black communities. 

• Danielle Gartner, Assistant Professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University
• Julia Interrante, Research Fellow and Statistical Lead, Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota
• Jamila Taylor, President and CEO, Institute for Women’s Policy Research
• Lisa Dubay, Senior Fellow, Urban Institute; Codirector, Policies for Action (moderator)

Panel 2: Bridging Gaps in Maternal Health: Perspectives from Community, Research, and Policymaking

This panel brings together a provider and advocate, researcher, and policymaker to explore how their perspectives intersect. Panelists will share insights on community-driven maternal health solutions, the latest research on structural racism and birth outcomes, and a policy model for transforming maternal health outcomes.

• Melisa Byrd, Senior Deputy Director and Medicaid Director, Department of Health Care Finance 
• Emily M. Johnston, Principal Research Associate, Health Policy Division, Urban Institute 
• Aza Nedhari, Cofounder and Executive Director, Mamatoto Village
• Wendy Ellis, Director, Institute for Racial, Ethnic and Socioeconomic Equity; Director, Center for Community Resilience; Assistant Professor, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University. (moderator)

Panel 3: Turning Grief into Action: Black Fathers Seeking Solutions

During this panel, we will hear from two fathers, featured in the Emmy-nominated film Aftershock, who lost their partners during childbirth and turned their grief into action. They will share their experiences supporting their partners through pregnancy and experiencing medical bias and unimaginable loss. They will discuss their mission to bring greater awareness of the stark disparities, to create community-led solutions, and to engage more men in solving this crisis.

• Omari Maynard, Cofounder, The Ariah Foundation; Partner of Shamony Benton Gibson
• Bruce McIntyre III, Founder, saveArose Foundation; Partner of Amber Rose Isaac
• Nona Mitchell Richardson, Founder, MitchRich Communications; Communications Lead, Policies for Action (moderator)

Funding for this event was provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Policies for Action program. The views expressed should not be attributed to the foundation or to the Urban Institute, its trustees, or its funders. For more on Urban’s funding policies, go to urban.org/about/our-funding.

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. Please email [email protected] if you require any accommodations or have any questions about this event.