Babyscripts, a virtual maternity care program, and Lyft have reported success in addressing maternity care transportation issues in Washington D.C. through their collaboration. The partnership provides free rides to maternity care appointments for D.C.’s pregnant population.
The collaboration has shown promising results, with 71 percent of patients identifying as transportation insecure claiming the free Lyft benefit through Babyscripts’ myJourney app. Users have saved an average of $173 total, based on an average of 6 rides per user at $29 per ride. This saved money can now be allocated to other necessities such as groceries or diapers.
Washington D.C. faces significant challenges in maternal health. The district reports 30.7 per 100,000 maternal deaths compared to the national average of 23.5. While Black mothers make up half of births in D.C., they represent 90 percent of birth-related deaths, highlighting stark disparities in maternal health outcomes.
The partnership aims to address these issues by improving access to maternity care services. On a national scale, more than 2 million women of childbearing age live in maternity care deserts, defined as counties with no hospital offering obstetric care, no birth center, and no obstetric provider. An additional 3.5 million women live in counties with limited access to maternity care.
Babyscripts’ platform supports patients throughout their care journey, offering tools and resources accessible via smartphone. The program allows patients to self-identify risks through surveys, assessments, and remote patient monitoring. Babyscripts’ risk stratification model then activates the appropriate care team members to manage these risks.
Aleyah Johnson, a 26-year-old MedStar patient, shared her experience with the program: “I felt so much better and have less anxiety after having the option to get free rides. The free Lyft pass made it easier to get to my appointments on time. I have not missed any appointments since I’ve had the free Lyft pass from Babyscripts. My rides have been great and peaceful.”
