Make Mothers Matter and the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA) joint paper on ensuring universal access to maternal healthcare in the European Union. The paper calls for the Child Guarantee to include universal access to maternal healthcare, as the health of the mother and the health of the child are intrinsically linked. A child’s first 1000 days sets a foundation for their mental and emotional health in addition to their physical, cognitive and social development. To ensure healthy development, support for children and access to quality healthcare during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period are crucial.