Activating Life Course Theory through a Whole System Prevention Framework to Address the Wicked Problem of Maternal and Infant Morbidity and Mortality.

Background: Racial/ethnic disparities in maternal and infant morbidity and mortality (MIM&M) is a wicked problem that is reinforced and perpetuated by our system[s] of care. Life Course Theory (LCT) helps to explain drivers of health disparities, but its application is challenged. An upstream approach that promotes systemic change requires the implementation of an expanded prevention framework that includes primordial and quaternary prevention.