Rural Hospitals Are Closing Maternity Wards. People Are Seeking Options to Give Birth Closer to Home

Describes the lack of maternity units in rural hospitals. More than 2 million women live in maternity care deserts. Notes reasons for recent closures include reimbursement rates, workforce issues, fewer births, and financial difficulties for rural facilities. Discusses possibilities and challenges that come with free-standing birth centers, proposed as a solution to the shortages.
Source: News stories via the Rural Assistance Center - Category: Rural Health Source Type: news