Over a third of U.S. counties have zero hospitals, birth centers, or OB doctors. This is what a maternity care desert is, and it's getting worse. Here's what you need to know, and what we can do.
Imagine being pregnant and having no hospital, no birth center, and no OB doctor anywhere in your county. That's a maternity care desert. It means when it's time to give birth, or when something goes wrong during your pregnancy, there is no place nearby to go. Women in these areas must drive long distances, sometimes over an hour, just to get basic pregnancy check-ups. In an emergency, that drive can cost a mom or baby their life. Over 1,100 counties across America are in this situation right now. And the number keeps growing.
Zero birthing facilities AND zero obstetric clinicians. 35.1% of all U.S. counties.
One or fewer hospitals, very few OB providers, or high rates of uninsured women.
Some services available but not enough to fully meet community need.
Adequate facilities, obstetric providers, and insurance coverage. Far too rare.
Source: March of Dimes, "Nowhere to Go: Maternity Care Deserts Across the US," 2024 Report.
higher risk of preterm birth for women in maternity care deserts
average drive to nearest birthing hospital from a desert county
women live in counties with no or very limited maternity care access
Source: March of Dimes 2024 Report; PMC geographic access study.
Source: March of Dimes 2024 MCD Report; PMC geographic access study.
Maternity care deserts are far more common in rural counties. Women without a car or reliable transportation are the most vulnerable of all.
Native women travel an average of 45.9 minutes to reach the nearest OB hospital, more than 3× the national average. In desert counties, that can jump to over 2.5 hours.
The rate of uninsured women in maternity care deserts is 2× higher than in areas with full access. No insurance means fewer options and more dangerous delays.
Women with diabetes, hypertension, or past pregnancy complications need closer monitoring. In deserts, they often go without care until it becomes an emergency.
Look up your county on the March of Dimes interactive map at marchofdimes.org/maternity-care-deserts-report. Share your results with other women in your community.
Telehealth prenatal visits are proven to work for routine care. Contact your state legislators and ask them to fund mobile maternal health clinics in underserved areas.
Over 100 hospital OB units closed between 2022 and 2024. Ask your congressional rep to support the Rural Maternity and Obstetrics Management Strategies (RMOMS) program.
Expanding the legal scope of midwives and funding community birth centers can fill gaps where hospitals don't exist. Many states still have laws blocking this. Speak up.
Women in deserts sometimes travel 1 to 3 hours for prenatal appointments. Offer rides, childcare during appointments, or donate to local funds that cover travel costs.
Use the March of Dimes county map to print your area's access level. Host a community meeting to show local women the data and spark real conversation about solutions.
Organize a network of drivers who volunteer to take pregnant women to prenatal appointments. Pair with a simple group chat and shared calendar. No fancy tech needed.
Research every telehealth OB service, federally-qualified health center (FQHC), and mobile clinic available in your county. Update it quarterly and share it everywhere.
Gather women and spend one hour contacting your state health department and elected officials. Ask them to protect rural hospital OB units and fund community birth centers.
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You just took a stand for the millions of moms who have nowhere to go. Check your email for resources and how to connect with women in your area who are ready to act.
Share this with 3 women. That's how deserts become communities of care.