Access to Maternity Care in the U.S.: Challenges and Current Gaps Revealed by March of Dimes
The recent report from March of Dimes titled "Nowhere to Go: Maternity Care Deserts Across the U.S." paints a concerning picture of maternity care accessibility in the country. Unveiled on August 11, 2026, the report shows that a staggering 34.6% of U.S. counties, encompassing around 2.4 million women of reproductive age, are classified as maternity care deserts. This classification indicates the absence of obstetric clinicians or birthing facilities, forcing women to travel considerably farther for essential maternal care.
In counties labeled as maternity care deserts, women face travel distances that average three times longer than those in areas with full maternity care access. These lengthy journeys often lead to delayed entry into prenatal care, an increased risk of unplanned out-of-hospital deliveries, and higher rates of maternal morbidity. Additionally, complications can arise, resulting in a greater number of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions. Families are also burdened by significant indirect costs, such as transportation expenses, childcare arrangements, missed work, and temporary lodging while seeking care.
Cindy Rahman, President and CEO of March of Dimes, asserted that current shifts in healthcare policy exacerbate existing barriers to maternity care, making it imperative to re-evaluate the system. She emphasized the importance of creating a solid foundation for maternity care that leads to healthier beginnings and stronger communities. This report serves as a clarion call for coordinated action from healthcare providers, policymakers, employers, and communities to reshape the maternity care landscape for future generations.
The 2026 report reveals several alarming findings:
1. One in three U.S. counties is a maternity care desert, affecting nearly 149,000 births each year.
2. Over half of U.S. counties do not have a hospital offering labor and delivery services, impacting around 370,000 births annually.
3. Rural areas face a more severe shortage of obstetric clinicians, with nearly 58% of these counties lacking such professionals.
4. From January 2024 through May 2026, at least 96 labor and delivery units closed across 35 states, with an average travel time increase of 25 minutes for affected families.
5. Approximately 11% of women of reproductive age are uninsured, particularly in southern and rural regions.
Dr. Michael Warren, Chief Medical and Health Officer at March of Dimes, noted that these statistics should serve as a wake-up call. Maternity care deserts are the result of deliberate policy decisions that have left countless families without necessary medical access. Solutions are within reach, but they require united efforts from multiple sectors to effectuate change.
To improve access to maternity care, it is crucial to implement evidence-based strategies that facilitate care for all families, irrespective of their location. March of Dimes is committed to leading this endeavor through advocacy, education, and community collaboration. Their strategies include:
To delve deeper into the findings, examine county-specific data, and contribute to improving access to maternity care, visit marchofdimes.org/mcdr. This effort is vital as communities grapple with an ongoing maternity care crisis that can significantly impact the health of mothers and their infants. March of Dimes strives to ensure that every family has the opportunity for an optimal start in life.
In counties labeled as maternity care deserts, women face travel distances that average three times longer than those in areas with full maternity care access. These lengthy journeys often lead to delayed entry into prenatal care, an increased risk of unplanned out-of-hospital deliveries, and higher rates of maternal morbidity. Additionally, complications can arise, resulting in a greater number of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions. Families are also burdened by significant indirect costs, such as transportation expenses, childcare arrangements, missed work, and temporary lodging while seeking care.
Cindy Rahman, President and CEO of March of Dimes, asserted that current shifts in healthcare policy exacerbate existing barriers to maternity care, making it imperative to re-evaluate the system. She emphasized the importance of creating a solid foundation for maternity care that leads to healthier beginnings and stronger communities. This report serves as a clarion call for coordinated action from healthcare providers, policymakers, employers, and communities to reshape the maternity care landscape for future generations.
The 2026 report reveals several alarming findings:
1. One in three U.S. counties is a maternity care desert, affecting nearly 149,000 births each year.
2. Over half of U.S. counties do not have a hospital offering labor and delivery services, impacting around 370,000 births annually.
3. Rural areas face a more severe shortage of obstetric clinicians, with nearly 58% of these counties lacking such professionals.
4. From January 2024 through May 2026, at least 96 labor and delivery units closed across 35 states, with an average travel time increase of 25 minutes for affected families.
5. Approximately 11% of women of reproductive age are uninsured, particularly in southern and rural regions.
Dr. Michael Warren, Chief Medical and Health Officer at March of Dimes, noted that these statistics should serve as a wake-up call. Maternity care deserts are the result of deliberate policy decisions that have left countless families without necessary medical access. Solutions are within reach, but they require united efforts from multiple sectors to effectuate change.
To improve access to maternity care, it is crucial to implement evidence-based strategies that facilitate care for all families, irrespective of their location. March of Dimes is committed to leading this endeavor through advocacy, education, and community collaboration. Their strategies include:
- - Advocating for legislation that enhances access to care, focusing on policies that protect and expand insurance coverage.
- - Utilizing mobile health centers to bring maternity care into underserved communities. Seven active units across the U.S. aim to address significant care gaps directly.
- - Increasing access to doulas through partnerships to support community births, thereby diversifying and strengthening the healthcare workforce.
- - Implementing innovative financial support initiatives, such as guaranteed basic income programs, which have shown promising results in improving prenatal and postpartum care access.
To delve deeper into the findings, examine county-specific data, and contribute to improving access to maternity care, visit marchofdimes.org/mcdr. This effort is vital as communities grapple with an ongoing maternity care crisis that can significantly impact the health of mothers and their infants. March of Dimes strives to ensure that every family has the opportunity for an optimal start in life.
Topics Health）
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