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A pilot program began providing a $1,000 monthly stipend in June for pregnant women living in parts of Fulton County with a high preterm birth rate.
In 2024, Georgia received an “F” on the March of Dimes Report Card, with a 11.8% preterm birth rate, which is higher than the U.S. rate of 10.4%.
Atlanta is one of six sites nationwide participating in March of Dimes’ Maternal and Child Health Collective Impact Initiative. The community-based partners include The Center for Black Women’s Wellness, 4Kira4Moms, Georgia Black Doula Network and Helping Mamas.
Twenty-five pregnant women in Fulton County are receiving guaranteed income as part of a maternal health equity study on preterm birth.
By examining purchasing habits of women during pregnancy, researchers can better understand social determinants of health, said Tamara Mason, director, Collective Impact of March of Dimes.
Using this money to put more groceries in their kitchen creates less food insecurity, she said.
Preterm birth remains the leading cause of infant death, and racial and ethnic disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes, Mason said.
“Our program actually is very much modeled after San Francisco, where there they are giving Black, pregnant and indigenous women a guaranteed income throughout their pregnancy,” Mason said. “We’re doing the same thing here in Atlanta.”
Because of the high rates of preterm birth in 30331 or 30213 ZIP codes, women between 12 to 28 weeks pregnant were chosen.
They also had to be financially insecure.
“So, up to 200% of the federal poverty level, which usually means that you are on Medicaid and you also are receiving other assistance like TANF or WIC,” Mason said. “Some women, they are working, but it may be a part-time situation.”
So far, the women are using their preloaded gift cards for rent and transportation.
“I believe the other one top is groceries, food,” Mason said. “In these three months, that’s what we’ve seen from the metrics of the card [and] what the women are using the funding for.”
The women will also receive supplies including diapers and wipes as well as mental health support services throughout the year through May 2026.
GPB’s Health Reporting is supported by Georgia Health Initiative
Georgia Health Initiative is a non-partisan, private foundation advancing innovative ideas to help improve the health of Georgians. Learn more at georgiahealthinitiative.org
Ellen Eldridge | GPB
Ellen Eldridge is the senior health care reporter for Georgia Public Broadcasting.
