On March 12, 2025, in New York, Columbia University scientist Uma Reddy received the News that her $16.6 million grant for a maternal health center had been terminated. This decision abruptly halted a significant research initiative aimed at addressing America‘s high maternal mortality rates through a randomized trial involving trained doulas and specialized education.
- Grant for maternal health center terminated
- Reddy contacted collaborators about cancellation
- Research aimed to reduce maternal mortality rate
- Trial involved 600-person randomized study
- Doulas and education targeted postpartum health
- Twenty-one patients enrolled before cancellation
The termination of the grant has left Reddy and her team devastated after 19 months of preparation. They had collaborated with community workers and trainees to design a study that would involve 600 participants across three hospitals in New York City. The goal was to determine if trained doulas could positively impact mental and cardiovascular health—key factors contributing to postpartum deaths.
As part of their efforts, the researchers enrolled 21 patients before receiving the cancellation notice. The abrupt end of this project not only affects those currently involved but also undermines broader efforts to tackle serious public health issues related to maternal care in the united states.
- Total grant amount: $16.6 million
- Duration of planning: 19 months
- Participants enrolled before cancellation: 21
This situation raises concerns about funding stability for critical health initiatives and highlights ongoing challenges faced by researchers in securing resources for essential public health studies. With the cancellation now confirmed, Reddy’s team must reassess their approach moving forward while grappling with the implications of losing such vital funding.
The cancellation of Columbia University’s grant not only halts an important study but also serves as a reminder of the precarious nature of public health funding and its direct effects on research aimed at saving lives.
