More than one-third of U.S. counties are classified as maternity care deserts, according to a report released Tuesday by March of Dimes [1].
The findings highlight a critical gap in healthcare infrastructure that leaves millions of pregnant women without local access to essential medical services. This lack of accessibility can increase risks for both mothers and infants during pregnancy and childbirth.
According to the report, 34.6% of counties in the U.S. are now considered maternity care deserts [2]. These areas are defined as regions that lack a birthing hospital, a birth center, or any obstetric clinician [2].
The report indicates that approximately 2.4 million women live in these underserved counties [2]. This widespread shortage of care is attributed to persistent gaps in infrastructure and a lack of available clinicians [3].
Recent changes in healthcare policy have further compounded these shortages, leaving many regions without adequate services [3]. The nonprofit March of Dimes said the data brings attention to the systemic failures in the U.S. maternity care network [1].
Because these deserts are spread across the country, the impact is not limited to a single region. The shortage of obstetricians and the closure of birthing facilities force many women to travel long distances for prenatal care and delivery services, which may lead to delayed care or unmanaged complications [3].
“34.6% of counties in the U.S. are now considered maternity care deserts”
The emergence of maternity care deserts suggests a systemic failure in the distribution of essential health services across the U.S. When over a third of the country lacks basic birthing infrastructure, it creates a geographic lottery for maternal health. This trend likely exacerbates existing health disparities, as women in rural or underfunded counties face higher barriers to safe delivery than those in urban centers.
