01/16/2026
I have experienced deep dismay in the persistent difficulty of retaining grant funding to support the implementation of a new maternal health initiative designed for hospital systems and academic institutions. This challenge is especially painful in light of the well-documented and ongoing crisis of maternal morbidity and mortality among people of color across the United States. That crisis was brought into even sharper focus with the recent passing of Dr. Janell Green Smith, a Black midwife whose life’s work was dedicated to advancing maternal health equity through compassionate, community-centered care. Her loss is not only personal to those who knew her, but emblematic of the very inequities she worked tirelessly to dismantle.
It is within this national and moral context that FemEquity Tech Innovations, DBA FETI, grounds its mission. FETI was created to advance an innovative, evidence-informed approach to maternal care, one that actively works to negate entrenched disparities and improve maternal health outcomes, particularly for those who have been historically marginalized by healthcare systems. Yet, grant applications submitted in pursuit of this mission are repeatedly met with the same response: assurances that the application was thoughtfully considered, acknowledgments of the high volume of strong applicants, and expressions of admiration for the meaningful work being done, followed by rejection.
While these messages are often carefully worded to emphasize that non-selection is not a reflection of potential or value, the cumulative effect is profoundly disheartening. I am befuddled by the apparent inability, or unwillingness, of many grantors to fully acknowledge the urgency of investing in work that directly impacts the health of humanity and future generations, particularly those most at risk. What is wrong with a system in which the prevention of maternal harm and death remains so difficult to fund?
Nevertheless, FETI will move forward. In response to both the need and the resistance, we are in the process of forming The Institute for Evidence-Informed and Restorative Maternal Care™ (www.fem-ti.co). The Institute is designed to support healthcare systems and academic institutions in preventing maternal harm and restoring maternal safety, respect, quality, and trust through evidence-informed practice and restorative care methodologies. We are preparing to mobilize a dedicated team to bring this initiative to life, because the work is too important, the losses too great, and the future too valuable to allow discouragement to dictate our course.
