Maternal Health Care is in Crisis
The World Health Organization defines maternal health as the care needed throughout:
The period during pregnancy,
During childbirth and
The postnatal period.
Yet, nation-wide access to maternal health care is shrinking, making it unobtainable for many patients living right here in the United States. Hospitals throughout the U.S. have had to close their labor and delivery units due to many challenges.
On Tuesday, January 23, 2024, I invite you to join me in observing The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Maternal Health Awareness Day. Check out these 5 Facts from ACOG of why this day is important for all Americans who care about all women accessing comprehensive maternal care.
FACT: According to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), more than 2.2 million women, ages 15-44, living in the U.S. live in maternity care deserts: counties without hospitals that provide obstetric care, birth centers, ob-gyns, or certified nurse-midwives.
FACT: According to a 2022 March of Dimes Report, rural areas in the U.S. are more at risk as access to maternal care has become more challenging. More than one-third of U.S. counties are considered maternity care deserts.
FACT: After the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, issues have been made worse; leaving women who need access to abortion care unable to find locations close to their homes. This lack of access increases risk of complications and even death for these women.
FACT: For all women who have delivered a baby, the 12 months following delivery can be the most critical as it is when some of the most deadly, pregnancy-related complications occur. Added to that, those women who are living with maternal mental health conditions, matters can be made worse without consistent access to providers and necessary treatments.
FACT: Since May 2023, more than 13 million people have lost their Medicaid coverage since the end of the COVID-19 health emergency.
Final thought: In today’s conditions, access to equitable, nationwide, maternal coverage is unacceptable. But, there is hope. With continued awareness in our communities and persistent engagement with the decision makers, there is a path to restoring equitable maternal coverage for all women living in the U.S.