Rural America's Maternal-Health Crisis Is About to Get Worse
10 hours ago
- Rural maternal mortality is 81% higher than urban, with higher ICU risks and transfer rates.
- Over 100 rural hospitals have closed since 2005, and 60% of rural counties lack hospital obstetric care.
- Financial strain from high fixed costs, declining fertility, and low Medicaid reimbursement drives unit closures.
- Only 4% of ob-gyns practice in rural areas; family doctors are withdrawing due to liability risks.
- Federal policies like H-1B visa cost hikes and Medicaid cuts in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act worsen the crisis.
- Proposed solutions include expanding telehealth, doubling the Rural Health Transformation Fund, and federalizing maternal care.