Build the science of neonatal, obstetrical, reproductive, and women’s health care, through the discovery and translation of evidence-based strategies that promote respectful person-centered care and addresses health inequities as a way of promoting maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Priority I addresses practices that relate to areas of greatest need for women, newborns, and families, and for which AWHONN-supported research can have the largest impact. The examples provided are not meant to be an inclusive list.

• Addressing psychosocial issues that affect the health of women, newborns, and families
• Supporting efforts to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, particularly in Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC), LGBTQIA+, patients with mental health or substance use disorders, domes c violence, and/or rural populations
• Addressing the impact of social determinants of health in equitable health care and health outcomes
• Promoting optimal neonatal adaptation
• Promoting optimal sexual and reproductive health
• Addressing Trauma-Informed Care, such as intimate partner violence (IPV), sexual assault,
  human trafficking, current or prior birth trauma in pregnancy and delivery
• Any complications that result in increased maternal neonatal mortality and morbidity such as infectious diseases, sepsis, hemorrhage, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
• Implementing a multidisciplinary approach to team communication creating a safe, just culture to include shared decision-making with patients and families