U.S. Maternal Health Press Fellowship
U.S. Maternal Health Press Fellowship
The Every Mother Counts U.S. Maternal Health Press Fellowship is designed to deepen and expand U.S. media coverage of maternal health. This fellowship is a learning opportunity that will help journalists understand the challenges and solutions shaping maternal health in the U.S. and support more impactful reporting on the issue.
Why we created this fellowship: Although maternal health has received more coverage in recent years, stronger context and community insight can be helpful for reporting on how policy changes and persistent disparities influence access to care. Raising awareness about maternal health through storytelling has been central to Every Mother Counts’ mission since our founding. This Fellowship builds on that work by creating opportunities for journalists to connect with the people, perspectives, and community-driven solutions that shape maternal health across the country.
Program Details
The fellowship will run for approximately four months, from April–July 2026. A cohort of approximately 10 journalists from across the country will deepen their understanding of the U.S. maternal health landscape through a blend of virtual learning and interactive site visits to Arkansas & Minnesota where they will meet with community-based leaders, advocates, policy experts, and health providers working to advance maternal health.
Applications open January 12, 2026, and close February 23, 2026. Selected fellows will be notified by the end of March 2026.
All travel and expenses related to the fellowship are covered. The fellowship does not provide project funding or salary. Fellows maintain full editorial independence.
Fellowship Curriculum
The fellowship is national in scope, and journalists (from traditional newsrooms, freelance roles, and emerging media platforms) based anywhere in the United States are encouraged to apply.
Broadly, the fellowship curriculum will include:
- A virtual orientation session led by Every Mother Counts staff.
- Site visits (~3 days each) to Arkansas & Minnesota with opportunities to meet providers, advocates, elected officials, and more.
- Virtual learning sessions with maternal health experts throughout the fellowship period.
Application Timeline
Application opens: January 12, 2026
Deadline: February 23, 2026
Notification: End March 2026
Fellowship period: April–July 2026
Maternal Health in Action: Site Visits
Fellows will travel to Minnesota and Arkansas to explore state-level challenges – such as rural access, disparities in care, and the impacts of policy changes – and the community-driven solutions emerging in response. These visits will serve as case studies with relevance far beyond each state. Site visits will be facilitated by the Every Mother Counts team with support from partners.
The curriculum will explore the major forces shaping maternal health today, including:
- The disproportionate barriers that Black, Indigenous, and rural communities face in accessing maternal health care
- Community-based models and support systems that center mothers’ needs and priorities
- Access to quality and culturally responsive care
Community-led Maternal Health Solutions in Action
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Rachel Voigt trears Demetria Poe in a clinic room at Roots Community Birth Center. (Gather Birth Cooperative, 2023) -
Midwives chat with a new mom, Alicia, and her baby at Changing Woman Initiative in New Mexico. (Keith Scott, 2025) -
A group of student midwives comes to the Magnolia Birth Center in Miami Beach, Florida for a tour and a class. (Mint and Cocoa, 2024) -
Georgiana Aguino and her son Zane Mirabal meet with Kim Talachy, a full spectrum doula at Tewa Women United in Española, New Mexico. (Luis Sanchez Saturno, 2025) -
Midwife Valeria takes Brianna's vitals during her prenatal appoinment at the Magnolia Birth House in Miami Beach, Florida. (Mint and Cocoa, 2024)
Frequently Asked Questions
The fellowship is open to U.S.-based journalists working in any medium, including staff reporters, freelancers, and emerging media creators (e.g., newsletters, podcasts, short-form video). Applicants of all experience levels are encouraged to apply, though we will give preference to those with two or more years of reporting experience, or a demonstrated track record of published work.
Fellows will be chosen based on their alignment with the fellowship’s goals and their demonstrated commitment to rigorous, ethical reporting. Selection is based on:
- Strength of alignment with the fellowship’s purpose
- Reporting experience, track record and demonstrated rigor
- Curiosity, empathy, and commitment to responsible storytelling
- Potential to expand and deepen maternal health coverage
Yes. Prior experience covering maternal health is not required. We welcome applicants who are newer to the issue and bring strong reporting skills, curiosity, and a commitment to learning about this issue.
Publishing is encouraged but not required. Fellows maintain full editorial independence over whether, when, and where they publish stories. Journalists currently working within newsrooms should ensure they have approval to participate.
Yes, all travel and expenses related to the fellowship are covered. The fellowship does not provide project funding or salary. Fellows maintain full editorial independence.
No. We welcome all journalists who are committed to evidence-based, accurate, sensitive, and ethical reporting.
Have other questions before you apply? Download our full FAQs document.
Want to connect and learn more about the fellowship? Email Mihika Srivastava, Director of Communications at msrivastava@everymothercounts.org.