In this crucial episode, we confront a maternal health 911 emergency that demands our urgent attention. Shockingly, American women face a higher rate of maternal mortality than any other developed country, with pregnancy-related deaths more than doubling over the past 25 years. Every 12 hours, a woman loses her life due to complications from pregnancy, and a staggering 80 percent of these deaths are preventable, according to new data.

The disparities become even more pronounced when we examine the maternal mortality rates for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) women. The current statistics reveal a stark reality - BIPOC women experience a maternal mortality rate more than double that of White women, with 37.1 deaths per 100,000 live births compared to 14.7. What's alarming is that this heightened risk persists across income, insurance, and education levels, as indicated by CDC data.

Zooming into New York City, a stark revelation awaits us. In 2018, 41 women in New York State lost their lives within one year of being pregnant, directly linked to their pregnancy, resulting in a rate of 18.2 pregnancy-related deaths per 100,000 live births.

To navigate through this complex issue and shed light on the urgent need for maternal mortality advocacy, we are joined by experts and advocates in the field who are working tirelessly to raise awareness, effect policy changes, and bridge the gaps in maternal care. Join us as we unravel the silent crisis, amplify the voices of those affected, and explore tangible steps towards a future where no woman loses her life due to preventable maternal complications. It's time to turn the spotlight on maternal mortality and advocate for change.