The Billboard Women in Music Awards recognized journalist, New York Times bestselling author, TV host, and founder of birthFUND, Elaine Welteroth, and her nonprofit, birthFUND, for their work in expanding access to midwifery care and improving maternal health outcomes across the United States. Welteroth took the stage alongside Grammy Award-winning artist Kelly Rowland, one of birthFUND’s Founding Family Funders, to spotlight the organization’s work expanding access to midwifery care and improving maternal health outcomes across the United States.
“Birth should be a safe, supported, and dignified experience for every woman,” Welteroth said. “Midwifery is a life-saving model of birth care that can help prevent 80% of maternal deaths — and it changed my life. The question that launched our now multi-million dollar fund was: why aren’t we investing in healthcare solutions that make birth safe for every family?”
birthFUND’s work is grounded in a simple but powerful truth: while the United States has the highest maternal mortality rate among high-income nations, more than 80% of these deaths are preventable, particularly when patients have access to continuous, midwifery-led care.
Founded on April 11, 2024, during Black Maternal Health Week, birthFUND has quickly emerged as a leading voice in maternal health advocacy. In just two years, the organization has raised millions and supported hundreds of families across the country, from birth and beyond. The recognition took place at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles as part of the globally streamed Billboard Women in Music event, bringing together some of the most influential voices across music, culture, and entertainment.
By making a donation, attendees will not only contribute to critical care and resources but also be entered for a chance to win a one-of-a-kind diamond locket designed by Maggi Simpkins, valued at $4,500. “Being part of this work has been deeply personal,” Rowland said. “Every woman deserves to feel safe, supported, and cared for during one of the most vulnerable and powerful moments of her life.”
Through new initiatives like the birthFUND 100, a first-of-its-kind cultural power list mobilizing influential leaders and brands, the organization continues to build a national movement centered on care, dignity, and access.
As part of the evening, birthFUND also participated in a philanthropic activation, inviting audiences to directly support families in real time by funding access to midwifery-led care. “This moment is about more than awareness,” Welteroth said. “It’s about taking action and proving that when we come together as a community, we can change outcomes in real time.”