Urgent Action Required: Wildfire Risks Endanger Pregnant Individuals and Their Babies

Amidst intensifying wildfire seasons across the United States, a new report highlights a troubling gap in public health responses that threatens the safety of pregnant individuals and their developing babies. The research, conducted by Human Rights Watch and the perinatal health non-profit Nurturely, reveals alarming deficiencies in the communication of wildfire risks and safety measures to health workers who serve these vulnerable populations. With wildfires increasingly recognized for their detrimental impacts on maternal and newborn health—including risks of low birth weight and preterm birth—experts are calling for urgent action from policymakers and public health officials. Skye Wheeler, a researcher at Human Rights Watch and one of the report’s authors, emphasized the disconnect between the escalating wildfire threats and the insufficient responses from health authorities. “While we know that wildfires are continuing to intensify in the US, we’re still not seeing the kind of response that we need,” she stated. The report surveyed over 50 healthcare professionals in Oregon, a state that has recently faced its worst wildfire season. Many health workers reported a lack of guidance from public health officials regarding the specific risks wildfires pose to pregnant individuals. For many, the burden of research falls on them to provide accurate information to patients, rather than receiving the necessary insights and data from authorities. Particularly concerning is the report's assertion that public health communications are failing to reach the most at-risk communities. Vulnerable populations, including the unhoused and non-English speaking individuals, often lack access to essential protective resources, such as air filters, during high-risk periods. The need for effective communication is critical, especially as these communities are already at a heightened risk of adverse health outcomes related to both environmental and social determinants. Healthcare providers expressed frustration over the limitations of the current clinical care model, which often prioritizes brief patient interactions and leaves little room for engaging discussions about environmental risks. Doulas, who often spend more time with clients and provide crucial information, are in short supply, further exacerbating the issue. Rebecca Schmidt, an associate professor of epidemiology, pointed out that many clinicians lack adequate training on the health risks associated with wildfire exposure. “Right now, I don’t think clinicians have been trained very well on those potential exposures and what they might be doing to patients’ health,” she remarked. This is particularly concerning in a country where maternal health outcomes lag behind those of other high-income nations. The report draws attention to the stark racial disparities in maternal health, highlighting that Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications compared to their white counterparts. Furthermore, women of color face disproportionate exposure to air pollution and adverse environmental conditions, which can lead to lower birth weights and other serious health implications. To combat these challenges, experts suggest that public health officials implement effective strategies to mitigate the risks associated with wildfire smoke. Recommendations include distributing free N95 masks, ensuring access to clean-air shelters, and educating vulnerable communities on how to minimize exposure during wildfire events. Ultimately, the report underscores the urgent need for systemic changes to address the root causes of climate-related health disparities. As climate change continues to exacerbate environmental risks like wildfires, researchers stress that reducing greenhouse gas emissions must be a priority. "We need to turn off the tap," Wheeler cautioned, emphasizing that without fundamental changes to address climate crisis and its health implications, the burden on frontline health workers will only grow heavier. The findings of this report serve as a clarion call for policymakers, healthcare providers, and public health officials to prioritize the protection of pregnant individuals and fetuses from the devastating impacts of wildfires, ensuring that no one is left vulnerable in the face of an ever-changing climate.