As we enter the third and final year of our 2023-2025 Strategic Plan, Nurturely remains steadfast
in our commitment to perinatal equity, despite a national climate that continues to challenge the
very principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. While DEI work is being demonized in
political discourse and through direct executive action, we are deepening our dedication to this
work because the stakes have never been higher. The systemic inequities in perinatal health
demand urgent attention, and Nurturely is poised to continue driving transformative change in
2025 and beyond.
Why Our Work Matters Now More Than Ever
In a time when the U.S. perinatal mortality rate continues to rise—especially among Black and
Indigenous communities—Nurturely’s mission to transform perinatal systems, catalyze global
conversations, and build a sustainable foundation is more crucial than ever. The intersection of
racism, cultural biases, and systemic barriers in healthcare creates unacceptable disparities in
birth outcomes. Our work is not just about advocacy; it is about reimagining perinatal care
through an equity-centered lens that prioritizes prevention, community, and sustainability.
Our Strategic Priorities for the Year Ahead
- Transforming Systems with Science & Equity
The current U.S. perinatal care system is reactionary rather than preventative, and this is
only getting worse as public health funds are being stripped away before our eyes. With
our newly-launching Perinatal Equity Advocates certification program, we will expand
our equity-centered training programs for perinatal professionals, bringing more Black
and Brown birthworkers into sustainable careers and equipping healthcare providers with
anti-racist education. We will also launch new research initiatives on preventative
approaches to perinatal health, ensuring that science drives systemic change. - Catalyzing Global Conversations
Perinatal health is not just a health issue—it’s a cultural one —which is even more
important to highlight as culturally-inept leaders take the national stage. This year, we
will ramp up our discussions on the connection between local and global perinatal equity
through screenings of the Nurturely-produced mini documentary Cultures of Birth. As
our documentary illustrates, birth, parenthood, and perinatal health is cultural and offers
an opportunity for human connection that is deeply needed in these divisive times. - Building Sustainable Foundations
To ensure that our work continues for years to come, despite alarming fluctuations in
federal grantmaking, we are investing in internal capacity and financial sustainability.
This includes expanding our Board of Directors and our networks of advisors,
strengthening operational infrastructure, and increasing unrestricted funding to support
long-term impact. By solidifying our foundation, we can scale our programs to reach
more communities that need them most.
A Call to Action: Join Us in This Movement
We refuse to be distracted by the chaos of the current political discourse. Perinatal health equity
is a fundamental human right, and we invite you—our supporters, partners, and advocates—to
stand with us in making birth and postpartum care more just, inclusive, and sustainable. Your
involvement strengthens this movement.
As we look to the future, we do so with hope, determination, and an unwavering commitment to
justice (backed by a strong track record of programming impact in 2024). Looking forward to
working with you to make 2025 a year of action and impact.