The 39-year-old California beauty recently visited Washington D.C. with former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell to ask politicians for legislation to promote maternal health and safety throughout the globe.

"I'm really involved in maternal health. I've been working in Washington to help raise awareness," she told WENN.com.

Turlington - who has two children with husband Edward Burns - notes that the smallest change can help the biggest issue: death during labour. She adds that every minute one woman dies because of unsafe deliveries.

"I've had safe deliveries for both my children because I have had access to skilled medical care," she said. "Yet for too many women in the developing world, pregnancy and childbirth is a serious life-and-death issue."