News Summary
The Georgia-South Carolina Reproductive and Maternal Health Summit convened at Augusta University to focus on improving maternal health amidst significant access challenges. The summit featured expert discussions on legislative efforts, including the Kira Johnson Act, aimed at tackling disparities in maternal care. Key issues highlighted included the alarming rate of maternal mortality in Georgia, particularly among Black women, and the urgent need for increased access to maternal health services across the state. Collaborative initiatives seek to enhance support for expectant mothers and address the ongoing crisis in maternal health.
Augusta, GA – The 2025 Georgia-South Carolina Reproductive and Maternal Health Summit convened at Augusta University on September 9, 2025, to address the pressing issues surrounding maternal health in the region. This summit gathered experts, lawmakers, and advocates to discuss strategies for improving maternal care and highlight the ongoing crisis affecting numerous communities.
The event featured a significant panel including Georgia State Senator Harold Jones II and Katie Chubb, the founding director of Augusta Birth Center. A central theme of the summit was the need for political activism and collaborative efforts to enhance maternal health services. Highlighting the ongoing recovery from the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene nearly a year ago, the discussions underscored the urgency of providing sustained support for families affected by this disaster.
The summit was accessible both in-person and virtually, fostering participation through Watch Parties across Georgia. Key partners in this initiative included local sororities, the League of Women Voters, and Augusta University Health Services Society. These collaborative efforts aimed to engage a broader audience in important conversations about maternal health.
A new report released by the March of Dimes reiterated the alarming state of maternal health access in Georgia, revealing that over 40% of the state’s counties are classified as maternal care deserts. This term refers to counties lacking any designated obstetric providers, birth centers, or hospitals that provide maternity services. The report noted a troubling increase in hospital closures, with a 2% rise since the previous report in 2022, further exacerbating access challenges for expectant mothers.
Dr. Padmashree “Champa” Woodham, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, pointed out the critical shortage of specialists in Georgia, particularly in areas south of Atlanta. The state ranks among the bottom five in the nation for maternal mortality rates. Between 2018 and 2020, Georgia experienced 113 pregnancy-related deaths, with a staggering 89% of these deemed preventable. Notably, Black women in Georgia face disproportionately higher rates of maternal mortality compared to their non-Hispanic white counterparts, highlighting significant racial disparities in health outcomes.
The Augusta area specifically reported a maternal mortality rate of 37.7 deaths per 100,000 live births, emphasizing the need for immediate and effective interventions. Experts at the summit stressed the importance of early prenatal care and consistent monitoring throughout pregnancy to help mitigate complications. Key factors such as health insurance coverage and access to healthcare providers significantly affect a woman’s ability to receive adequate maternal care.
To address these challenges, the Georgia Department of Public Health announced plans to expand its Perinatal Health Partnership program, which will increase home visiting services for expectant mothers. Despite these efforts, research shows that 85 out of 159 counties in Georgia remain maternity care deserts, severely impacting access to both prenatal and delivery care.
Advocates at the summit discussed multiple legislative efforts to improve maternal health outcomes, including the introduction of the Kira Johnson Act and the “Healthy Moms and Babies Act.” These initiatives aim to directly tackle disparities in maternal care and ensure better health outcomes for all women in Georgia.
In a proactive effort to educate women on monitoring their health, Dr. Marlo Michelle Vernon launched a pilot project focused on postpartum health awareness. Participants reported life-saving knowledge gained from the program, particularly in recognizing symptoms of postpartum complications, demonstrating the critical need for maternal education.
The Georgia-South Carolina Reproductive and Maternal Health Summit served as a crucial platform for stakeholders to unite around the common goal of improving maternal health services in the region. The discussions highlighted the urgent necessity for comprehensive political action and community support to close the gaps in maternal care access and ultimately reduce the troubling rates of maternal morbidity and mortality.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WIS TV: Two-State Summit on Reproductive & Maternal Health
- Google Search: Maternal Health Georgia
- WFXG: Georgia and South Carolina Reproductive and Maternal Health Summit
- Google Scholar: Reproductive Health Disparities Georgia
- WJBF: Augusta OB-GYN Fights for Black Women’s Health Equity
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Maternal Mortality
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Georgia Lacks Maternity Care Outside Atlanta
- Google News: Maternal Care Georgia
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
