By Erum Azhar, MD

On Jan. 23, we observe Maternal Health Awareness Day—a critical moment to reflect on the state of maternal health in the United States and an opportunity to renew our commitment to addressing the disparities that persist. As a founding Program Director for Dignity Health East Valley Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program in Gilbert, Ariz., I want to highlight the role of our residency clinic in the new, state-of-the-art building where we are committed to increasing access to vital health care services for women, including cancer screenings, pregnancy care, and postpartum support.

Despite significant progress in health care, the maternal mortality rate in the United States remains unacceptably high. In fact, Black women and American Indian/Alaska Native women experience maternal health disparities at disproportionately high rates. Research reveals that around 80 percent of maternal deaths are preventable, yet nearly half of these deaths occur between one week and one year well after the delivery itself.

For Maternal Health Awareness Day 2025, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has chosen the theme "Know What’s at Stake," a reminder of the critical need to act. It is imperative that we take steps to reduce maternal mortality. Understanding the challenges that individuals face in accessing maternal and reproductive health care is key to implementing lasting change. 

At the core of our OBGYN residency program, we are proud to be the only program in the nation with a dedicated curriculum that trains residents in providing high-quality, equitable care while also addressing the social determinants of health and patient safety. We strive to ensure that every patient receives the best possible outcomes in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Our residency clinic follows evidence-based guidelines and recommendations, prioritizing care across the continuum of pregnancy and postpartum periods. We emphasize the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in identifying and managing obstetric emergencies, not just in the hospital setting, but across primary care, urgent care, and emergency departments.

On Maternal Health Awareness Day, let us reaffirm our collective responsibility to improve maternal health outcomes, reduce health inequities, and save lives. By knowing what’s at stake, we can make meaningful strides toward a healthier future for all women, especially those who have historically faced barriers to care.

Join us in our commitment to providing better, more equitable care to all women in our community. Together, we can ensure that every mother, regardless of race or background, has the support she needs to thrive.