ERASE MM funding at risk as deadline nears

Federal funding for ERASE MM, a program that supports state maternal mortality review committees, is set to expire on Sept 30, risking gaps in data and lifesaving policy.

ERASE MM Funding Threat as Federal Support Lapses

Federal funding for ERASE MM, the program that supports state maternal mortality review committees, is set to expire on Sept 30. Over five years, the CDC distributed nearly $90 million to fund reviews that identify causes of pregnancy-related deaths and prompt changes in care. The work has helped states adopt new protocols to prevent hemorrhage, sepsis and suicide, and has enabled some panels to form where none existed before.

The political path to renewal is unclear. The Trump administration’s 2026 budget proposal would eliminate ERASE MM and other Safe Motherhood initiatives, while some states such as Florida and Texas have opted out of ERASE MM funding or limited its use. A Senate Appropriations bill this year included money for ERASE MM, but it has not advanced. Advocates say the funds are small but catalytic, helping states study and improve care for pregnant people and new mothers, especially after abortion restrictions changed the health landscape. Georgia’s committee has found that abortion restrictions contributed to preventable deaths, underscoring why many see the program as essential.

ERASE MM tests a larger question about how a nation builds a safety net for mothers when political winds shift. Its value lies not only in the numbers but in the standardization of what gets studied and how findings translate into practice. Without consistent funding, data may become fragmented, and states may diverge on what they review, making national comparisons harder and policy changes slower.

The current budget climate adds a layer of risk. Even with bipartisan support in some corners of Congress, the program sits in a broader fight over health funding and abortion politics. If ERASE MM survives, advocates say it will require steady, cross-party commitment and a clearer explanation of its long-term benefits for families and health systems.

Highlights

Sustained funding will test whether policy can outpace politics and protect mothers' health.