A Call to Action for Equitable Change
As advocates deeply committed to improving maternal health outcomes, we, Ashley Street and Sacha Taylor, are driven by a resolute determination to address the distressing crisis within maternal care in the United States. Our shared mission, rooted in our experiences as Georgetown University alumni and visionaries, has culminated in the creation of CLEONA, a groundbreaking platform poised to catalyze transformative change. Drawing upon our strategic and technological expertise honed at Leone Solutions Group, we are resolutely propelling our mission forward to address the jarring inequities that disproportionately affect black, brown, and Indigenous women of color.
Our endeavor comes at a pivotal juncture, as the discourse surrounding maternal health is increasingly ensnared within a web of challenges. These challenges extend beyond the realm of healthcare, seeping into the broader landscape of women’s rights.
Yet, amidst these complexities, a common thread unites us: the dire need for holistic solutions.
It is our firm belief that an effective resolution demands a cohesive interplay of public, private, and social interactions, all orchestrated to elevate the quality of maternal care.
The statistics we confront are nothing short of alarming: glaring disparities persist in maternal mortality rates, with women of color experiencing pregnancy-related fatalities at rates 3-4 times higher than their counterparts. This sobering reality underscores the urgency of our mission and galvanizes our commitment to change.
The challenges we encounter, as exemplified by the recent legal battle against the Alabama Department of Public Health’s actions, mirror the broader fight for comprehensive maternal care. In an environment where freestanding birth centers are effectively banned, it is evident that the terrain of maternal health is fraught with obstacles. This battle echoes our own journey to revolutionize care, pushing us to persistently seek innovative solutions.
Alabama’s maternal and infant mortality rates rank among the highest in the nation.
Alabama’s overall maternal mortality rate is 64.63 deaths per 100,000 births, nearly double the national rate of 34.09. For Black women in Alabama, that number skyrockets to 100.07, which is much higher than the national average of 68.6 (Morris, 2023).
These harrowing statistics further accentuate the need for change, particularly in regions plagued by maternal health deserts, where access to essential care is grossly inadequate. In the face of these challenges, our resolve is unwavering.
We invite you to join us on this transformative journey.
Our platform, CLEONA, represents a beacon of hope, an emblem of the change we aim to ignite. Through CLEONA, we envision a world where doulas are empowered through training, their vital contributions duly reimbursed. We advocate for the integration of birth team members within hospital policies, fostering a holistic care model that places the birthing person at the center. Our commitment extends to ensuring transparency and accessibility in reimbursement mechanisms, fortifying the ecosystem of maternal care.
In a climate marked by challenges to women’s rights and reproductive healthcare, our call to action resonates louder than ever. As we forge ahead, we extend an invitation to potential partners and investors who share our vision. Together, we can usher in a new era of maternal care, one defined by equity, compassion, and unwavering support for all birthing individuals.
The road ahead is undoubtedly challenging, but with your support, we are poised to make a profound impact on maternal care.