Elaine Welteroth and birthFUND Honored at Billboard Women in Music for Maternal Health Advocacy

The Billboard Women in Music Awards honored journalist, New York Times bestselling author, TV host, and founder of birthFUND, Elaine Welteroth, and her nonprofit, birthFUND, for their work expanding access to midwifery care and improving maternal health outcomes across the United States. The recognition took place on April 29, 2026, at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles as part of the globally streamed Billboard Women in Music event.

Welteroth took the stage alongside Grammy Award-winning artist Kelly Rowland, one of birthFUND’s Founding Family Funders, to spotlight the organization’s work. “Birth should be a safe, supported, and dignified experience for every woman,” Welteroth said. “Midwifery is a life-saving model of birth care that can help prevent 80% of maternal deaths — and it changed my life. The question that launched our now multi-million dollar fund was: why aren’t we investing in healthcare solutions that make birth safe for every family?”

Addressing a Critical Need

birthFUND’s work is grounded in the fact that the United States has the highest maternal mortality rate among high-income nations, yet more than 80% of these deaths are preventable with access to continuous, midwifery-led care. The organization was founded on April 11, 2024, during Black Maternal Health Week, and has quickly become a leading voice in maternal health advocacy.

In just two years, birthFUND has raised millions of dollars and supported hundreds of families across the country, providing resources both during and after childbirth. The organization’s initiatives include the birthFUND 100, a cultural power list designed to mobilize influential leaders and brands around the issue of maternal health.

Philanthropic Activation at Billboard Women in Music

As part of the Billboard Women in Music event, birthFUND participated in a philanthropic activation, inviting attendees to directly support families by funding access to midwifery-led care in real time. “This moment is about more than awareness,” Welteroth said. “It’s about taking action and proving that when we come together as a community, People can change outcomes in real time.”

Attendees were also given the opportunity to contribute to birthFUND through a donation that entered them into a chance to win a one-of-a-kind diamond locket designed by Maggi Simpkins, valued at $4,500.

Kelly Rowland emphasized the importance of safe and supportive birthing experiences for all women, stating, “Being part of this work has been deeply personal. Every woman deserves to feel safe, supported, and cared for during one of the most vulnerable and powerful moments of her life.”

The Billboard Women in Music Awards brought together influential voices from music, culture, and entertainment to recognize the achievements of women in the industry and to highlight important social causes like maternal health. Honorees at the 2026 event included EJAE, REI AMI, AUDREY NUNA, Kehlani, Teyana Taylor, Ella Langley, Thalia, Zara Larsson, Laufey and Tate McRae.