John - Mother’s Day can be a joyful time of love, gratitude, and reflection.

It can also be complicated and heavy. For those who have lost a mother, are navigating painful relationships, or are yearning to become one: We see you. And we’re holding space for all the emotions this day can bring.

No matter how we arrive at this moment, Mother’s Day is a powerful reminder of the care that raised us—and the care that still holds our world together.

This year, that care is under threat.

Millions of mothers and caregivers across the country are facing devastating risks to their health, safety, and stability. A proposed federal budget would slash funding for programs that keep families afloat—cutting Medicaid, SNAP, and WIC, which together support nearly half of all births, provide food assistance to over 42 million people, and fund essential care for millions of low-income and aging women.

These cuts go beyond policy. They hurt people. Mothers. Grandmothers. Aunties. Sisters. Caregivers. Families. Communities.

This Mother’s Day, we invite you to take a moment to reflect on what care means to you — and to hear from our members about what inspires them to care.

Watch the video on Instagram and share your own reflections in the comments. Let’s lift up care stories together!

We’re also asking you to publicly and loudly thank the mother figures in your life in a way that honors their strength — and commits to protecting it. Tell them what their care meant to you. Whether it was a birth mom, bonus mom, auntie, neighbor, teacher, or community elder — your words of thanks matter.

We may not be able to fix the system overnight, but we can build something better by lifting up the people who hold it all together.

Let’s honor mothers and mother figures by letting them know how much they mean to us — on Mother’s Day, and every day after.

Care Team
National Domestic Workers Alliance

 

Sources:

What is Medicaid? How the insurance benefits mothers, caregivers and children. The 19th. Feb 18, 2025.
Critical Programs for Women and Families Face Deep Cuts in House Budget Bill. Ms. Magazine. May 7, 2025.