Funding for the Federal Maternal Death Review faces elimination
Federal Funding for Maternal Death Review Panels at Risk
The Enhancing Reviews and Surveillance to Eliminate Maternal Mortality (ERASE MM) grant program, a crucial federal initiative aimed at preventing maternal deaths in the U.S., is facing an uncertain future. The program, which distributes funds to state maternal mortality review committees, is scheduled to expire on September 30, 2025, and renewal attempts have so far been unsuccessful.
Over the past five years, the ERASE MM program has distributed nearly $90 million, with an annual average of $40 million supporting review committees in 46 states. Some states, such as Indiana, South Carolina, Iowa, Missouri, and Utah, rely entirely on this federal funding to operate their panels. The potential loss of funding has sparked significant concern among committee members and advocates, who fear it could hinder their life-saving efforts.
The ERASE MM grants primarily fund staff involved in collecting and anonymizing data related to maternal deaths. The work of these review panels has led to statewide initiatives addressing postpartum mental health and other causes of maternal death. Without the grants, some states may be forced to cut review teams or even disband the panels altogether.
The panels' reviews consider not only medical factors but also social and legal influences on care. Their findings have led to changes in hospitals that have saved lives, such as treating heavy bleeding, spotting infection earlier, and checking new mothers for serious depression or substance problems. Consistency across states in the study of maternal deaths and methods is crucial for a reliable national picture.
The Preventing Maternal Deaths Act, passed by Congress seven years ago, established the need for such review panels. Some states have used grants to implement systems for early problem detection and action on recommendations. In some states, officials say the grant helped start follow-up programs like home visits by nurses or joint mental health care for pregnant people.
Losing the national effort could make it harder to identify common problems and replicate effective solutions. Efforts are underway to maintain funding for the panels to prevent program failure and halt progress. Advocates have met on Capitol Hill to press for the restoration of funding for the ERASE MM grant program. Lawmakers are puzzled that the administration's 2026 budget left out ERASE MM and related birth-safety efforts.
In the race to keep funding in place, the importance of mothers' lives cannot be overstated. The work of the ERASE MM grant-funded panels has proven to be a cost-effective way to safeguard mothers' lives. It is hoped that renewed efforts will secure the future of this essential maternal health initiative.
[1] CDC Report on ERASE MM Grant Program [4] NPR Article on ERASE MM Funding [5] Kaiser Health News Article on ERASE MM Funding
