White Paper + Implementation Guide: Stillbirth Prevention as a Title V National Outcome Measure
The recent recognition of stillbirth as a U.S. National Outcome Measure represents a significant advancement in federal maternal health policy. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) defines and communicates national maternal health priorities; recognizing stillbirth as a key benchmark creates unprecedented opportunities to utilize the resources of the Title V Maternal and Child Health Block Grant, administered by HRSA’s Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB), to improve pregnancy outcomes across the United States.
This is a big deal.
However, as with other National Outcome Measures, the designation itself does not come with detailed guidance for how to improve that standard. That's where PUSH comes in.
Our Director of Education (and Aaliyah's mom) Liz O'Donnell, MPH created the following resources to help turn these new federal priorities into action - giving states and medical institutions the tools they need to save babies' lives.
Together, these tools address a critical gap between federal recognition of stillbirth as a measurable outcome and the absence of clear, practical guidance for stillbirth prevention.
The Tools to Close the Gap
HRSA Title V Outcome Measures and Implementation Readiness for Stillbirth Prevention (White Paper)
This white paper examines how the designation of stillbirth as a National Outcome Measure within the HRSA Title V Maternal and Child Health Block Grant Program translates into systems-level implementation. It explores the gap between federal policy and practice and identifies opportunities to strengthen implementation readiness across maternal health systems.
Topics Covered:
HRSA Title V Framework
National Outcome & Performance Measures
Implementation Science
Systems Readiness
Stillbirth Prevention
Download White Paper here (PDF):
Operationalizing Stillbirth Prevention in U.S. Maternal Health Systems (Implementation Guide)
This implementation guide provides practical strategies for integrating stillbirth prevention into quality improvement, patient safety, and maternal health systems. Designed for health systems, Title V programs, and public health leaders, it offers actionable guidance for moving from recognition to implementation.
Topics Covered:
Quality & Patient Safety
Organizational Accountability
Pregnancy After Loss Care
Equity-Centered Prevention
30-60-90 Day Roadmap
Download Implementation Guide here (PDF):
Who These Tools Are For
This white paper and implementation guide are intended for all organizations and professionals involved in maternal health care, including but not limited to:
Hospitals and health systems
OB/GYN practices and prenatal care clinics
Maternal–Fetal Medicine practices
Community health centers
Birth centers
Doula organizations and perinatal support programs
Public health and maternal health organizations
While certain recommendations apply primarily to hospital-based systems, the core principles of prevention, escalation, communication, and trust-building apply across all settings where pregnant people receive care or support.
In short, no organization should view these tools and conclude that stillbirth prevention is someone else’s job. #UnitedWePush
