In a world of so many diverse individuals – from different backgrounds and with widely opposing viewpoints – there are not many things that can unquestionably and universally connect us all. In fact, there is just one thing. We are all here on this earth because of a mother – because a woman took the responsibility to bring us into this world, to give us life. The miracle of life is one that has been largely entrusted to womankind, but it is the responsibility of all mankind to care for the women that make this miracle possible. Unfortunately, 283,000 times every year, we fail to do just that. Ninety-eight percent of all deaths due to complications in pregnancy and childbirth could be prevented if we ensured that all mothers received the essential health care they need and deserve. This is not just a third-world problem. Many women in the U.S. and other developed nations face barriers to necessary prenatal care. Yet awareness about this issue among Every Mother Counts’ target audiences remains low. In fact, the most recent research indicates that nearly half (46 percent) of U.S. adults do not know that maternal mortality impacts women here in the U.S. This could be due in large part to the fact that only 11 percent of U.S. adults read, saw or heard anything about the issue in the 12 months prior to being surveyed. There is clearly a gap to fill. Every Mother Counts is ready to change that – to not only increase awareness, but to inspire action and create a groundswell for the cause. By tapping into the sisterhood of motherhood, Every Mother Counts can empower women around the world to support one another in a way that transcends borders, race, political opinions, religious beliefs and socioeconomic backgrounds, leading the way to bring the number of preventable maternal deaths closer and closer to zero.