Expanding access to doulas is proving to be a critical tool in reducing maternal mortality, especially in communities facing racial disparities. In Guam, the Guahan Doula Project allocated $400,000 to train new doulas, while programs across the U.S. are equipping Black fathers and community leaders with doula-level skills. With Black women in the U.S. experiencing maternal mortality rates more than three times higher than white women, culturally competent doula programs are helping close these dangerous gaps through continuous care, advocacy, and education.

Birthing centers offer a unique middle ground between home birth and hospital delivery. These midwifery-led facilities combine comfort with clinical oversight, providing a home-like environment, lower intervention rates, and cost savings for low-risk pregnancies. With proper accreditation and hospital transfer protocols, studies show that birth centers can be a safe and empowering option for expecting families.