In the 2020 report, March of Dimes shines a light on the unequal access to maternity care found throughout the U.S. and highlights current research and its impact on the health of mom and baby. Access to quality maternity care is a critical component of maternal health and positive birth outcomes, especially in light of the high rates of maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity in the U.S.
Maternity care deserts are counties in which access to maternal health care services is limited or absent, either through a lack of services or barriers to a women’s ability to access that care. This report describes the maternity care desert status of all U.S. counties based on the most recent data on the availability of hospitals, birth centers, health care providers, and health insurance.
Authors: March of Dimes
Publication Date: 2020