MEND the Divide: A Pathway to Equitable Maternal Care in the United States

Maternal mortality rates in the United States are far exceeding those of other developed nations. This healthcare crisis is disproportionately affecting marginalized populations, including Black women and women living in rural communities. The MEND framework-developed through extensive research and informed by real-world case studies-offers a comprehensive and equity-driven solution to address existing disparities and improve maternal health outcomes nationwide. This framework emphasizes four objectives (or pillars), named after the first letter of each pillar: (1) Maternal care integration, (2) Equity-driven policies, (3) Navigated support, and (4) Driving collaboration. Each pillar presents actionable strategies to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity in the United States. The MEND framework offers a comprehensive, scalable roadmap for systemic change to help ensure equitable, high-quality care for all mothers.