Obstetric Units Closing at Hospitals Across the US, Disproportionately Affecting Communities of Color
Key Points:
- Obstetric units are closing at a growing number of hospitals across the US, leading to patients having to travel farther for prenatal and postpartum care.
- Closures disproportionately impact communities of color, exacerbating the already high health risks faced by Black and Hispanic women during childbirth.
- Main reasons for closures include declining birthrates, staffing shortages, increased costs, and the impact of antiabortion laws.
- Hospitals most likely to close are often those most reliant on Medicaid and those that serve more Black patients.
- While most research on maternity care deserts has focused on rural areas, there are also significant disparities in urban settings.
- Qualitative research is necessary to understand the specific challenges faced by pregnant people in accessing care.
- Preliminary findings reveal a two-tiered maternity care system in Washington, D.C., where low-income Black and Hispanic patients receive care from underfunded facilities.
- Hospital overcrowding frequently forces patients to be diverted to another hospital while in labor.
- Midwife- and doula-led freestanding birth centers can help fill gaps in maternity care deserts for low-risk pregnancies.
Hot Take:
The closure of obstetric units at hospitals across the US is creating significant challenges for pregnant people, particularly in communities of color. The lack of access to prenatal and postpartum care further exacerbates the health risks faced by Black and Hispanic women during childbirth. It is crucial to address these disparities and ensure equitable access to quality maternity care. Additionally, the promotion of midwife- and doula-led freestanding birth centers can provide alternative options for low-risk pregnancies, helping to fill the gaps left by hospital closures.
Original article:https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/features/maternity-obstetric-closure-health-disparities/