Closing the Justice Gap in Maternal Health

INTRODUCTION: The United Nations 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) prioritized justice for all women and girls. Maternal health is central to this agenda, as preventable maternal morbidity and mortality reflect systemic inequities in societal and health systems worldwide. DISCUSSION: This article discusses maternal health as a fundamental justice for all women and girls. Advancing this agenda requires coordinated policy action, workforce support, and strong accountability mechanisms. Evidence-based strategies for effective maternal health include midwifery-led care, maternal mortality review systems, and community-based models. CSW70 can further integrate maternal health into global justice frameworks. RECOMMENDATIONS: Policy recommendations include multi-sector collaboration, stronger national accountability, and investments in culturally appropriate care. Nurses, midwives, and birth support professionals are key stakeholders in shaping policies to advance maternal health justice. Recognizing maternal health as a human right is essential to advancing equity and justice for all women and girls globally.