Maternal and reproductive health at Columbia Mailman

Some of today’s most pressing public health issues—both in the United States and globally—are centered on maternal health, child health, and sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Columbia Mailman is a global leader in research, policy analysis, and advocacy that protects and improves the health of women, pregnant people, and children—in New York City and around the world.

Proven impact

Scientists at Columbia Mailman have found that exposure during pregnancy and early childhood to harmful chemicals—like pesticides and flame retardants—can harm brain development, and exposure to air pollution during pregnancy increases the risk of health problems in children, including ADHD and obesity. This research has helped change laws to reduce pollution and restrict dangerous chemicals.

Training future scientists

The maternal mortality rate in the United States is the worst among all developed nations—disproportionately affecting communities of color—and sexual and reproductive health care is increasingly difficult to access, leading to high rates of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy. Our training programs teach students the skills and knowledge needed to understand and address these critical public health issues.

Conducting groundbreaking research

Maternal and fetal health is at risk in regions where weather patterns have threatened drinking water quality. As environmental are conditions continuing to worsen, our researchers examine how water contaminants in these areas contribute to ill health and fetal death, and they work to provide a basis for how to better protect the health and lives of communities in these regions.

Our researchers also examine how doula programs for Medicaid-eligible recipients reduce cesarean delivery and postpartum depression and anxiety.

Supporting maternal and reproductive health research

Supporting the Research Response Fund means supporting the students and researchers working to address maternal mortality in the United States and continuing research on how to protect maternal and child health in the face of environmental hazards.

Research in action