Christy Turlington Burns, renowned supermodel and activist, transformed a harrowing personal experience during childbirth into a lifelong commitment to improving maternal health outcomes around the world. Her story highlights the fragility of pregnancy and the urgent need for accessible, quality care for all mothers.
The Unexpected Turn in a Dream Birth
Fifteen years ago, Turlington Burns welcomed her first child into the world under what she describes as ideal circumstances. Prepared and supported by a dedicated team including a midwife and doula in a hospital birthing center, she felt empowered and strong throughout labor. The moment her daughter arrived, joy overwhelmed her—everything seemed perfect as the newborn latched on successfully.
However, within an hour, a critical complication arose: postpartum hemorrhage due to a retained placenta. Unfamiliar with this issue despite witnessing family births, Turlington Burns endured excruciating pain as an obstetrician manually extracted the placenta. This sudden shift from euphoria to crisis underscored how even in optimal settings, childbirth risks persist.
- Key elements of her birth experience: Access to skilled professionals like midwives, doulas, and OBs.
- Emotional highs: Pride, gratitude, and surprise at having a daughter.
- Sudden crisis: Hemorrhage, a leading cause of maternal mortality globally.
This event not only tested her resilience but also ignited a profound awareness of maternal health disparities.
Discovering a Worldwide Maternal Health Crisis
Post-recovery, Turlington Burns delved into research, uncovering shocking statistics. At the time of her daughter’s birth in 2003, over 500,000 women died annually from pregnancy-related complications—many preventable. This figure had stagnated for decades, contrasting sharply with her survival thanks to timely intervention.
She realized her privilege: living in a location with advanced healthcare infrastructure. In contrast, geography, income, race, or ethnicity often determines outcomes elsewhere. Nearly all such deaths stem from treatable issues like hemorrhage, infections, or eclampsia, emphasizing that solutions exist but access does not.
| Region | Annual Maternal Deaths (Est. Early 2000s) | Primary Causes |
|---|---|---|
| Global | ~500,000 | Hemorrhage, infection, unsafe abortion |
| Developing Countries | 99% | Lack of skilled birth attendants |
| USA | Low ranking globally | Racial disparities, inadequate postpartum care |
These insights propelled her from shock to action, recognizing that no woman should perish giving life.
Building Knowledge Through Education and Storytelling
Turlington Burns pursued a Master’s in Public Health at Columbia University to grasp the systemic issues. This academic foundation informed her 2010 documentary, No Woman, No Cry, which spotlighted maternal health challenges and solutions across countries like Bangladesh, Tanzania, and the US.
The film humanized statistics, showing rural mothers trekking for care and urban disparities. It marked the launch of Every Mother Counts (EMC), her nonprofit dedicated to policy advocacy, education, and funding for maternal health innovations.
“I became a maternal health advocate the day I became a mother. That was the day I also became a statistic.” – Christy Turlington Burns
EMC has since invested millions, contributing to a nearly 50% global decline in maternal mortality since the 1990s, though progress remains uneven.
Every Mother Counts: Strategies for Change
EMC focuses on locally-led initiatives, prioritizing high-burden populations. Key strategies include:
- Advocacy: Pushing for policies on midwifery, doula support, and postpartum care.
- Funding: Grants to community programs improving prenatal screening and emergency transport.
- Education: Storytelling via campaigns, runs, and partnerships to raise awareness.
- Innovation: Supporting tech like mobile health units in remote areas.
In rural settings, EMC integrates maternal check-ups with clean water access, providing basic prenatal and postpartum services efficiently. Their model emphasizes equity, ensuring respectful, safe journeys through pregnancy and beyond.
Addressing Disparities in the United States
While global focus dominates, Turlington Burns addresses US shortcomings. The country ranks poorly in maternal mortality, with stark racial gaps—Black women face 3-4 times higher risks. EMC advocates for inclusive care pre- and post-pregnancy, including mental health support.
Her TED talk urged systemic changes for welcoming births, highlighting preventable US deaths nearing 100,000 annually in broader contexts.
Intergenerational Impact and Personal Motivation
Turlington Burns’ advocacy draws from family history and her role as a mother of two. Witnessing her sisters’ births and surviving her own complication fostered empathy for unseen mothers. Now 16+ years in, she connects personally to global sisters she’ll never meet.
EMC engages communities through events like marathons, fostering collective action. Despite political hurdles, their data-driven, partnership-based approach persists.
Progress and the Road Ahead
Global maternal deaths have halved since 1990, thanks to organizations like EMC, yet 99% occur in low-resource areas. UNICEF stresses concerted action for further gains. Turlington Burns vows to continue until every mother counts universally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspired Christy Turlington Burns to start Every Mother Counts?
Her postpartum hemorrhage after her first child’s birth in 2003 revealed the global scale of preventable maternal deaths.
What is postpartum hemorrhage and why is it dangerous?
Excessive bleeding post-delivery, often from retained placenta, it causes 25% of maternal deaths worldwide but is treatable with prompt care.
How has Every Mother Counts impacted maternal health?
Invested millions in grants, advocated for policies, and contributed to declining mortality rates through local solutions.
Are maternal deaths still a problem in the US?
Yes, with racial disparities; the US ranks low globally, needing better postpartum and equitable care.
How can individuals support maternal health advocacy?
Join runs, donate, advocate locally, or learn via EMC resources to amplify the message.
This journey from personal survival to global impact exemplifies how one voice can drive monumental change. Turlington Burns’ work reminds us that maternal health is a human rights imperative.
References
- Christy Turlington Burns on Maternal Health and Human Rights — Clinton Foundation. 2015-approx. https://stories.clintonfoundation.org/christy-turlington-burns-on-maternal-health-and-human-rights-a3f06e623bae
- Christy Turlington Burns’ birth story inspired her to help other mothers — Mother.ly. 2018-approx. https://www.mother.ly/life/christy-turlington-burns-birth-story-inspired-her-to-help-other-mothers/
- Christy Turlington Burns and Every Mother Counts — Birth Psychology (PDF). 2025-08. https://birthpsychology.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/EMC_Rebelle.pdf
- Our Story – Every Mother Counts — Every Mother Counts. Accessed 2026. https://everymothercounts.org/our-story/
- Caring for maternal health before and after pregnancy — TED/YouTube. 2012-approx. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tz7e-uMiaJs
- Episode 210: Christy Turlington Burns, Every Mother Counts — Sandy Boy Productions. 2019-11-22. https://sandyboyproductions.com/2019/11/22/episode-210-christy-turlington-burns-every-mother-counts/
