Mothers are on the ballot, and it’s almost time to vote!!

This is exactly why The Pulse exists: to report on the current state of our health care system and what our birthing mothers experience as they bring life into this world. Village, thank you for showing up for this mission all year. We hope this is one of the most influential times that The Pulse really resonates with you. Birthing units are closing. 96 labor and delivery units shut down in 35 states between January 2024 and May 2026. In nearly 60% of those counties, it was the only place to give birth. In Georgia, 43 rural hospitals that no longer deliver babies are getting emergency carts for births. Only 36% of Georgia’s rural hospitals still have a labor and delivery unit. A cart is not a care team. New Medicaid rules start January 1. Pregnant and postpartum moms are exempt, but more than 135,000 pregnant enrollees could fall through the gap if their state doesn’t know they’re pregnant. Prevention is a policy decision, and 39 states elect a governor this year. It’s time we show up as a village and hold our system accountable. #votelikeamother #maternalhealthmatters #voteformaternalhealth #eradicatematernalmortality #maternalhealthmatters