Mothers in Florida Deserve Better; Here’s How We Get There

April 09, 2026

I feel compelled to raise the alarm about the worsening state of maternal health in our country — particularly here in Florida, where I trained as a physician, raised my family, and built my career. This issue is deeply personal for me, and the urgency has never been clearer.

The statistics are deeply troubling

The United States continues to have the highest maternal mortality rate in the developed world, receiving a D+ on the most recent March of Dimes report card for the fourth year in a row. Florida mirrors this pattern, also earning a D+ due to persistently high preterm birth rates (10.7%) and widening gaps in maternal care access.

These outcomes stem from a complex interplay of chronic health conditions, structural inequities, and inconsistent access to high-quality prenatal and postpartum care. Together, these factors contribute to disparities that disproportionately impact women of color.

Recent cases in the media highlight how Black women’s concerns during labor and postpartum are often dismissed, leading to dangerous delays and preventable complications. When women are unheard at their most vulnerable, they are at risk and trust in the health care system is lost. High-quality care must also be respectful care — care that listens, believes, and responds.

The risks associated with pregnancy and childbirth extend beyond delivery. Complications can occur at any point during labor, delivery, or the postpartum period — sometimes with devastating and long-lasting consequences. Research from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association shows Black and Latina women experience serious postpartum complications at a higher rate than white patients.

Maternal mental health is an equally urgent concern

A study in JAMA Internal Medicine shows significant declines in maternal mental well-being, with consequences that span generations — from adverse birth outcomes to long-term developmental and mental health challenges for children.

The crisis is further compounded by maternity care deserts — communities with little or no access to obstetric services. In Florida, these deserts force families to go without essential care, fueling delayed diagnoses, reduced access to emergency services, and preventable complications. Research shows that in some Florida communities, women travel an average of 49 miles — nearly an hour — to reach their nearest birthing hospital.

Identifying and addressing bias, mapping maternal health deserts, and identifying where families need additional support is essential.

Florida Blue is taking action through a partnership with Canopie to offer members a digital solution that includes prenatal coaching, care coordination, and mental well-being support. Our Florida Blue Foundation is awarding $3.5 million in grants to nonprofits supporting maternal health programs. We support the Florida Perinatal Quality Collaborative in delivering OB emergency training for hospital staff in small and rural communities. We are also working to increase the number of hospitals designated as Blue Distinction Centers for Maternity Care.

We must continue to partner with policymakers, health care providers, and community organizations to strengthen maternal health across Florida.

The time for coordinated, meaningful action is now.