Anna Francis

My Journey:

I joined the movement to create positive change for moms and babies everywhere, especially those most at risk. I personally experienced two high risk pregnancies which ultimately resulted in bed rest and emergency caesarean section for both. During my second pregnancy, my pre-term twins had to stay in the NICU for 2 weeks. Those 2 weeks were later determined to be “non-life threatening” by the insurance and were not covered, regardless of several appeals and doctor's notes. Despite having to pay for that portion out of pocket, my maternity leave to recover and bond with babies were not affected. I was very fortunate to have my family, friends, employer, and doctors to support my family and I throughout my pregnancy and post partum journey but not everyone is so lucky.

With preterm birth and maternal death rates continuing to rise, I’m committed to raising funds so that every family gets the best possible start. But I need your help. 

Please visit my fundraising page to make a donation. Together we’ll be part of a movement to make America a more equitable place and ensure that every mom and baby is healthy.

How we are helping:

The March of Dimes improves the health of mothers and babies through:

• education on healthy pregnancy;
• prenatal care;
• services to reduce the risk of premature birth and other poor birth outcomes;
• support for families with babies in NICU;
• and the MoM and Baby COVID-19 Intervention and Support Fund.

Did you know?!

• 5 million women live in maternity care deserts - counties with no hospitals offering obstetric services.
• Women of color are up to 50% more likely to experience a preterm birth compared to white women.
• Children of women of color can face a 130% higher infant death rate.
• In the U.S., Black women have maternal death rates 3x higher than women of other races or ethnicities.
• American Indian/Alaska Native women experience the second highest rates of pregnancy-related deaths.
• 2 women will die from pregnancy-related causes today. And every day.
• 2 babies die every hour in the U.S.
• The societal cost of preterm birth is $25.2 billion per year.