Maternity Care Disparities: Over Half of U.S. Rural Hospitals Struggle to Provide Services

A recent study conducted by the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform has shed light on a concerning trend in maternity care across the United States, revealing that over half of rural hospitals in the country lack essential maternity care services. This revelation underscores the challenges faced by rural communities, with labor shortages and economic difficulties leading many facilities to discontinue vital labor and delivery services.

The report highlights a significant and troubling statistic – more than 50% of rural hospitals are unable to provide maternity care, leaving mothers and infants in these areas at a heightened risk of complications. . .