About Us

Our Movement to Protect Mothers

Preeclampsia is one of the leading causes of maternal complications and death, yet too many mothers are sent home without the tools, education, or support needed to protect themselves. The Next 9 is a minority-led, advocacy-driven, fiscally sponsored nonprofit committed to addressing the maternal health crisis disproportionately impacting Black and Brown mothers. Through education, advocacy, and direct support, we empower mothers to protect their health, navigate the healthcare system, and fight for the care they deserve.

Maternal Health Disparities

The United States faces a maternal health crisis, with Black, Hispanic, Indigenous, and other women of color disproportionately affected. Across the country, BIPOC mothers experience significantly higher maternal mortality rates compared to white women. Black women are over three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications, while Indigenous women face similarly high risks (CDC, 2023).

Hypertensive disorders, including preeclampsia, are among the leading causes of these deaths. Research shows that Black women face disproportionately higher odds of developing preeclampsia at every level:

• 26% more likely to develop mild preeclampsia (AOR = 1.26)
• 31% more likely to develop severe preeclampsia (AOR = 1.31)
• 98% more likely to experience superimposed preeclampsia—preeclampsia occurring on top of chronic hypertension (AOR = 1.98) (National Institute of Health)

Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) is a statistical measure used to compare the likelihood of an outcome occurring between different groups, while accounting for factors such as age, socioeconomic status, and healthcare access. Even when these factors are considered, BIPOC mothers still face significantly higher risks, demonstrating that systemic inequities—not individual differences—are driving these disparities.

These disparities are not due to biological differences but rather the result of systemic racism, medical bias, and inequitable healthcare access. Even when factors like education, income, and healthcare access are taken into account, BIPOC mothers still experience disproportionately high rates of pregnancy complications and maternal death, highlighting systemic inequities in maternal healthcare.

In Washington State, the crisis is just as severe. Black and Indigenous mothers experience maternal mortality rates that are significantly higher than the state average. Native communities have seen a 71.2% increase in maternal deaths in recent years, reflecting the urgent need for intervention (Washington State Standard).

Our Mission & Impact

We believe that no mother should have to fight alone for the care she deserves. Through programs like the Preeclampsia Protection Program, Healing Her Heartbeat, and the BIPOC Birth Equity & Recovery Fund, we provide:

• Life-saving tools and education for preeclampsia prevention and postpartum health monitoring during the most critical weeks after birth.
• Mental health support for mothers coping with pregnancy, birth complications, loss, or postpartum struggles.
• Advocacy and community engagement to push for systemic change in maternal healthcare before, during, and after pregnancy.

Our work is rooted in lived experience, community-driven action, and a commitment to equity. By ensuring that mothers have access to resources, education, and culturally responsive care, we are reshaping maternal health outcomes so that no mother is left behind—whether in the next 9 months, 9 weeks, 9 days, 9 hours, or 9 seconds.