Pregnancy and hematology are deeply intertwined. Hematologic conditions, including hemorrhage and embolism, remain among the leading causes of maternal morbidity in the United States… ASH continues to recognize these challenges and remains committed to improving maternal health outcomes.
Belinda Avalos
2025 ASH President
ASH Compendium on Maternal Health
ASH Compendium on Maternal Health
ASH Compendium on Maternal Health
The Compendium on Maternal Health is a special collection of key articles from the Blood journal that highlight the critical intersection of hematology and maternal health.
Iron Deficiency
Iron Deficiency Initiative
Iron Deficiency Initiative
Iron deficiency is the most common micronutrient deficiency globally, affecting up to 40% of adolescents and young women. It often leads to iron deficiency anemia, which impairs oxygen transport and can be life-threatening if untreated. ASH has made it a priority to improve the quality of care for individuals affected by iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia. Explore ASH’s efforts related to iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia and check back often for additional materials and resources.
Policy Statements
ASH Policy Statements
ASH Policy Statements
ASH Advocates for the Right to Maternal Health Care
ASH Advocates for the Right to Maternal Health Care
The right to maternal life and well-being for hematologists and their patients must not be denied. Hematology and maternal health are closely connected given the risks of hematologic complications in pregnancy.
Access to Hematology Care in an Age of Innovation
Access to Hematology Care in an Age of Innovation
Individuals should have access to and be able to afford high-quality, clinically appropriate care, including innovative therapeutics. The high cost of innovative treatments creates potential barriers to access for patients with malignant and non-malignant hematologic conditions.
ASH Policy Statement on Coverage of Fertility Treatment in Hematologic Care
ASH Policy Statement on Coverage of Fertility Treatment in Hematologic Care
Fertility preservation and management is a critical aspect of reproductive health care to safeguard an individual's ability to have children in the future. Coverage of fertility treatments is essential for patients with hematologic conditions.
Testimony and Correspondence
ASH Testimony and Correspondence
ASH Testimony and Correspondence
ASH Signs Amicus Brief Supporting FDA Authority and Access to Approved Medications
ASH Signs Amicus Brief Supporting FDA Authority and Access to Approved Medications
On May 7, ASH joined an amicus brief led by Blood Cancer United challenging the Fifth Circuit’s decision to stay the FDA’s 2023 REMS modifications for mifepristone. The brief warns that overriding FDA’s 2023 Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) sets a hazardous precedent, shifting authority for scientific and clinical determinations from expert regulatory agencies to the courts, and threatens the integrity of the FDA’s drug approval process. The decision could also have broader implications for access to evidence-based reproductive and maternal health care.
ASH Joins Letter to President Trump on Women's Health
ASH Joins Letter to President Trump on Women's Health
ASH joined 550 organizations in an open letter to the Trump Administration, advocating for prioritizing women’s health research, improved access to care, and stronger inter-agency collaboration.
ASH Joins Letter to Urge Congress to Advocate for Women's Health and Medicaid
ASH Joins Letter to Urge Congress to Advocate for Women's Health and Medicaid
ASH has joined more than 40 organizations to express concerns on the impact of Medicaid funding cuts on maternal health.
Clinical Resources
Clinical Resources
Clinical Resources
ASH ISTH NHF WHF 2021 Guidelines on the Management of Von Willebrand Disease
ASH ISTH NHF WHF 2021 Guidelines on the Management of Von Willebrand Disease
The guidelines address the management of von Willebrand disease (VWD) in the context of neuraxial anesthesia during labor and delivery, and management in the postpartum setting.
ASH 2020 Guidelines for Sickle Cell Disease: Transfusion Support
ASH 2020 Guidelines for Sickle Cell Disease: Transfusion Support
These guidelines address transfusion management during pregnancy.
ASH 2019 Guidelines for Immune Thrombocytopenia
ASH 2019 Guidelines for Immune Thrombocytopenia
Pregnancy was not addressed in ASH’s 2019 immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) guidelines. However, the 2011 ITP guidelines, which include management of ITP during pregnancy, are referenced in this document.
ASH 2018 Guidelines for Management of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE): VTE in the Context of Pregnancy
ASH 2018 Guidelines for Management of Venous Thromboembolism (VTE): VTE in the Context of Pregnancy
Other VTE guidelines (concerning prophylaxis among medical patients and diagnosis) reference pregnant postpartum patients as a subgroup at higher risk.
Birth Control and Blood Clots
Can Taking Hormonal Birth Control Cause Blood Clots?
Can Taking Hormonal Birth Control Cause Blood Clots?
There is a very low risk of blood clots for most people taking hormonal birth control containing estrogen. While it is true that hormonal birth control containing estrogen can increase this risk it is still considered low: On average, only three to nine out of every 10,000 women taking hormonal birth control pills will develop a blood clot. In fact, the risk of developing a blood clot while on hormonal birth control is significantly lower than the risk of developing blood clots while pregnant or after giving birth.
Further Education
Maternal Health News
Maternal Health News From ASH
Maternal Health News From ASH
Additional Information
Additional Information
Advocacy
ASH empowers researchers, clinicians, and patients to speak up for research funding. We persuade policymakers to pass laws that advance science and improve public health. But we need your help! Explore ASH's Advocacy Hub to learn about ASH's campaigns. Get tips for talking to Congress, posting on social media, and more!
#Fight4Hematology
ASH is fighting for hematology in the face of executive orders and other federal actions that threaten research and patient care. Follow the #Fight4Hematology Action Hub to stay up-to-date on ASH's efforts and learn four easy ways you can help protect the future of hematology. Use your voice to drive change!
Get Involved
ASH relies on volunteers from around the world and across the spectrum of hematology to reach ASH's mission. Whether you’re a trainee, educator, clinician, or researcher, you play a role in advancing the field of hematology. Find out how to get involved with ASH, or submit a volunteer interest form to be considered as new opportunities arise.
Advocacy
ASH empowers researchers, clinicians, and patients to speak up for research funding. We persuade policymakers to pass laws that advance science and improve public health. But we need your help! Explore ASH's Advocacy Hub to learn about ASH's campaigns. Get tips for talking to Congress, posting on social media, and more!
#Fight4Hematology
ASH is fighting for hematology in the face of executive orders and other federal actions that threaten research and patient care. Follow the #Fight4Hematology Action Hub to stay up-to-date on ASH's efforts and learn four easy ways you can help protect the future of hematology. Use your voice to drive change!
Get Involved
ASH relies on volunteers from around the world and across the spectrum of hematology to reach ASH's mission. Whether you’re a trainee, educator, clinician, or researcher, you play a role in advancing the field of hematology. Find out how to get involved with ASH, or submit a volunteer interest form to be considered as new opportunities arise.