Data shows that maternal mortality rates are higher among Black and Native American women regardless of income and educational levels, and Black women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy complications than non-Hispanic White women. Additionally, three out of five pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. We have reached a crisis level in this country, but we’ve also seen an unprecedented commitment to address the maternal health crisis at the federal level. This session will focus on why maternal health is a critical issue for early childhood advocates, how state policy can improve maternal health, and the Alliance’s commitment to supporting state allies’ maternal advocacy work through a newly launched community of practice.