Report highlights lack of access to prenatal care for women in the U.S.
The Hill · August 11, 2026Original source ↗
What happened
A report from the March of Dimes indicates that 5.8 million women live in counties without full access to maternity care. The report states that one in three U.S. counties is classified as a maternity care desert, where there are no hospitals or birth centers available.
Why it matters
This information is important as it underscores disparities in healthcare access for pregnant women in the U.S.
How this story affects people
How does this story affect you if you are a pregnant woman?
You may face significant challenges accessing necessary prenatal care, which could impact your health and that of your baby. Living in a maternity care desert means limited options for hospitals or birth centers, potentially leading to complications during pregnancy.
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