Maternity care deserts’ found across America, according to report.
Maternity care deserts' found across America, according to report.
The Crisis of Maternity Care Deserts in the United States
More U.S. women are living in areas with little or no access to maternity care, highlighting concerns about their ability to have a healthy pregnancy and birth. Research conducted by the March of Dimes reveals a significant decline in birthing hospitals across the United States and Puerto Rico, along with decreased access to maternity care in 369 counties since 2018. Shockingly, over 32 million women lack access to reproductive health care services, including family planning clinics and skilled birth attendants. Additionally, more than 5.6 million women live in counties with limited or no access to maternity care services. These lacking resources, often referred to as “maternity care deserts,” leave pregnant women vulnerable to poor health outcomes.
Dr. Elizabeth Cherot, President, and CEO of the March of Dimes, expressed her concern: “A person’s ability to have a healthy pregnancy and birth should not be dictated by where they live and their ability to access consistent, quality care, but these reports show that, today, these factors make it dangerous to be pregnant and give birth for millions of women in the United States.” She further emphasized the need for urgent action to ensure all mothers receive the care they need and deserve.
Since the previous report released by the March of Dimes in 2018, an additional 70 counties have been classified as maternity care deserts due to the loss of providers and obstetric units in hospitals. The updated report examined each state, along with Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, identifying the Dakotas, Alaska, Oklahoma, and Nebraska as states with the highest rates of maternity care deserts.
The closure of maternity units in hospitals pre-dates the COVID-19 pandemic and can be attributed to rising costs and low birth volume. Additionally, professionals in the field of obstetrics often experience high levels of burnout, which contributes to the scarcity of available maternity care providers. Moreover, over 50% of births in maternity care deserts are covered by Medicaid, which offers lower reimbursement rates, adding to the challenges faced by these communities.
Several socio-economic and environmental factors further exacerbate the scarcity of prenatal care in high-risk communities. The report indicates that violent crime rates, pollution, and inadequate housing conditions consistently demonstrate a higher percentage of inadequate prenatal care, particularly affecting women of color. Educational attainment, social support, poverty, and food security also play a role in the disparity of prenatal care in these communities.
- Surgery aids advanced cancer patients with blocked bowel.
- Statins more effective with age study.
- Kombucha may aid in managing blood sugar levels in individuals with...
Pre-existing chronic health conditions in pregnant women also contribute to the existing challenges. Approximately 8 out of 10 maternity care deserts have a high burden of chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and smoking, all of which can significantly impact birth outcomes.
Dr. Cherot reiterates the importance of equitable and available maternal care for every family, stating, “Every baby deserves the healthiest start to life, and every family should expect equitable, available, quality maternal care.”
Raising awareness about these issues is key to driving change. The March of Dimes’ report, titled “Where You Live Matters: Maternity Care Deserts and the Crisis of Access and Equity,” aims to do just that. In addition to raising awareness, the March of Dimes supports various initiatives to address the shortages. These include advocating for legislation, programs, and funding to sustain and expand telehealth programs for maternity care, supporting state efforts to enhance access to care, and implementing workforce programs to increase the number of healthcare personnel in rural and underserved communities.
Furthermore, the March of Dimes advocates for extending Medicaid’s postpartum coverage from 60 days to a full year. The organization is also providing funding for various initiatives to tackle this crisis and create a better future for all families.
Addressing the crisis of maternity care deserts requires collective action and an unwavering commitment to providing equitable, accessible, and high-quality maternal care for all. By prioritizing these areas, we can ensure that no woman has to face pregnancy and childbirth without the resources they need to have a healthy pregnancy and birth experience.
Additional Information
For more information and tips on maintaining a healthy pregnancy, you can visit the U.S. National Institutes of Health website.
Source: March of Dimes, news release, Aug. 1, 2023
