In the News

Research, partnerships, and policy work — building the case and the coalition to cut U.S. maternal mortality in half.

October 2026 - Press releases

What 3,000 employers and parents in America's Heartland told us about paid parental leave

A new HMHBA white paper from economist Emily Oster and Rebecca Jack finds mothers absorb the heaviest burden of inadequate parental leave, while employers in Arkansas, Illinois, Mississippi, and Nebraska find paid leave far more affordable than they expected.

As the White House launches a Women's Health Task Force, three in four Americans back expanding access to midwives

New Aaru research for HMHBA finds 75% support state funding to train more midwives, especially in rural areas, and 73% support making midwife care easier to access under state law.

Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies America (HMHBA) Announces $20 Million in State Grants for Arkansas and Kentucky

HMHBA announced $20 million in catalytic funding for maternal health in Arkansas and Kentucky, its first state-level investments toward cutting the U.S. maternal death rate in half in five years. Founder Olivia Walton made the announcement onstage at the Heartland Summit with Governors Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Andy Beshear. Each state will receive $10 million over five years.

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September 2026 - Press releases

Olivia and Tom Walton Commit An Initial $100 Million to Cut U.S. Maternal Deaths in Half

Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies America announces an initial $100 million, five-year commitment from Olivia and Tom Walton to accelerate efforts to cut maternal deaths in half across the United States. The investment will fund state matching grants, high-impact partnerships, and the infrastructure needed to move proven maternal health interventions into practice at scale.

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August 2026 - Press releases

Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies America Names Dr. Neel Shah President

Announced via GlobeNewswire: physician-scientist Dr. Neel Shah — former chief medical officer of Maven Clinic and a Harvard Medical School lecturer — becomes president of the bipartisan campaign founded by Olivia Walton to cut U.S. maternal mortality in half within five years.

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July 2026 - Press releases

New Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies America Poll Finds Broad Bipartisan Consensus: Americans Want More Action for Moms and Babies

A national KAConsulting poll of 1,001 registered voters finds maternal health is a rare bipartisan consensus issue: 13 of the 15 policy proposals tested drew at least 80% support, all 15 drew at least 72%, and 79% would be more likely to back a candidate who acts. After voters hear the facts, the share saying maternal health needs improvement rises from 77% to 86%. The release includes remarks from Kellyanne Conway, Executive Director Robin Reck, and founder Olivia Walton.

Healthy Moms Healthy Babies America Appoints Robin Reck as Executive Director

Announced via GlobeNewswire: veteran communications and coalition strategist Robin Reck joins from Emerson Collective to lead the bipartisan campaign founded by Olivia Walton to cut U.S. maternal mortality in half within five years.

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May 2026 - Press releases

Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies America launches national campaign to cut U.S. maternal mortality in half within five years

Olivia Walton, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, and Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders unveil a bipartisan five-year campaign to halve U.S. maternal mortality.

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