Aunica Williams
Pronouns: she/her
Research Mentor(s): Melissa Zochowski
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Pediatrics and Learning Health Sciences / Medicine
Program: UROPF
Session: Session 4 (1:40pm – 2:30pm)
Authors:
Abstract
The United States ranks last among high-income countries in terms of health outcomes and access to pregnancy-related care. Maternity deserts, areas where access to maternity care is absent or limited, is a result of hospital shutdowns, provider shortages, and decreased access to prenatal care. As a result, pregnant individuals may have to rely on the Emergency Department for their care. This observational, mixed-methods study examined all Michigan hospitals. Primary outcomes were the presence of an Emergency Department and the presence of Labor and Delivery. Other system-level indicators, such as religious affiliation, critical access designation, and system affiliation were also collected. Qualitative and quantitative analysis was conducted. Findings include: The majority of hospitals in Michigan have both a Labor and Delivery Unit as well as an Emergency Department. However, in some counties, hospitals without Labor and Delivery were the only hospital available, forcing maternity care into the Emergency Department and creating local or regional maternity deserts. Further research in this area will include case studies of individual hospitals without Labor and Delivery to understand the implications for pregnancy related care access.
