Maternal Near Miss Study – Center for Maternal Health Equity

The Maternal Near Miss Study is a powerful storytelling project that centers the voices of birthing people of color who have survived maternal near miss events: life-threatening complications related to pregnancy, childbirth, or postpartum. Through in-depth qualitative interviews, we also gather stories from their partners, healthcare providers, and surviving family members who have endured the loss of a loved one due to maternal causes.

This project creates a space for healing, reflection, and visibility. By honoring these lived experiences, we aim to inform and transform maternal health policy, clinical practices, and care strategies, ensuring that the realities of those most impacted are at the heart of systemic change.

Learn more about our community partners:

"Why did you choose to participate in this study?"

"I think it's necessary for women, and especially women of color to know that they have a voice and they need to listen not only to that inside voice, but what they're feeling."

"I just want to be a voice to the women that have lost their lives, because this can be avoided."

"I think it's important to be a part of studies like this, so my voice is heard, my voice is counted, my story is heard, it can be shared, and so we can one day get to a point where these stories don't exist anymore."

"I just wanted to be able to help someone else, and that was the ultimate goal of participating."

"You are the only person that knows your body inside and out, but a lot of people don't talk about what they went through."

We are proud to announce that our first paper for the Maternal Near Miss Study was published in JMIR Research Protocols in March 2025! Stay tuned for more information on our future publications.

Click here to read our protocol paper!