Title: Maternity Care Shortages Highlight Concerns for Healthy Pregnancies and Births in the US
More U.S. women are facing limited or no access to maternity care, raising concerns about their ability to have healthy pregnancies and births, according to new research from the March of Dimes. The study reveals a 4% decline in birthing hospitals across the United States and Puerto Rico, resulting in reduced accessibility to maternity care in 369 counties since 2018.
The statistics are alarming, with over 32 million women lacking access to reproductive health care services, including family planning clinics and skilled birth attendants. Furthermore, more than 5.6 million women live in counties where there is limited or no access to maternity care services, leaving them vulnerable to poor health outcomes.
The prevalence of these so-called maternity care deserts is a cause for concern, as a person’s ability to have a healthy pregnancy and birth should not be determined by their geographical location or access to consistent, quality care. Dr. Elizabeth Cherot, President and CEO of the March of Dimes, emphasizes the need for action to address this growing crisis and ensure that all mothers receive the care they need and deserve.
The report highlights the closure of maternity units even before the COVID-19 pandemic due to rising costs and low birth volume. Additionally, the high burnout rate among obstetrics professionals and lower reimbursement rates from Medicaid further contribute to the issue. Social and environmental factors, including violent crime rates, pollution, housing conditions, educational attainment, social support, poverty, and food security, also play a role in inadequate prenatal care, particularly affecting women of color.
Notably, approximately 8 out of 10 maternity care deserts have a high prevalence of pre-existing chronic health conditions in pregnant women, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and smoking, which can significantly impact birth outcomes.
In response to these challenges, the March of Dimes is advocating for legislation, programs, and funding to support and expand telehealth programs for maternity care. They also endorse state initiatives aimed at expanding access to care and workforce programs that address the shortage of healthcare personnel in rural and underserved communities.
The organization further supports extending Medicaid’s postpartum coverage to a full year instead of the current 60 days. They are actively funding various initiatives to address the shortages and improve access to maternity care.
The findings from the report titled Where You Live Matters: Maternity Care Deserts and the Crisis of Access and Equity are essential in raising awareness about these issues and driving change to ensure equitable access to quality maternal care for all families.
As the March of Dimes continues its endeavors, it aims to build a better future where every baby receives the healthiest start in life, and families can expect accessible and high-quality maternal care.
