Aya Kabbout
Research Mentor(s): Melissa Zochowski
Mentor Department: Department of Learning Health Sciences
Authors: Aya Kabbout, Melissa Zochowski, Melissa Zochowski
Session: Session 2 (10:00am – 10:50am)
Presentation Type: Poster 114
Abstract
Equitable access to labor and delivery services is critical for maternal and child health, yet many regions in the United States face disparities in availability. This study investigates the distribution of labor and delivery units across hospitals nationwide, aiming to identify “maternity deserts” and their potential impact on maternal health outcomes. Through an environmental scan, we gathered data on the total number of hospitals in each state, the number and percentage of hospitals providing labor and delivery services, hospitals lacking such services, annual births, and the reproductive-age population. Data were compiled from hospital websites, professional organization reports, and hospital quality databases. Significant geographic variation exists in excess of labor and delivery care. States with fewer hospitals offering these services relative to their population of reproductive-age individuals often align with higher rates of maternal health disparities. For instance, states with a higher proportion of hospitals without labor and delivery units tend to experience increased challenges in maternal care accessibility. By quantifying these gaps, this research highlights the urgent need for targeted policy interventions to mitigate maternity care inequities. These findings contribute to a broader understanding of how structural barriers influence maternal healthcare access and outcomes, offering a foundation for efforts to expand and improve labor and delivery services in underserved areas.
