In Arkansas, many women face significant challenges when accessing prenatal care. Often, they must drive over an hour for routine prenatal appointments. This adds stress and logistics for expectant mothers.
Arkansas has gained recognition as the most pro-life state in the United States for the past six years, according to Americans United for Life. Despite this recognition, a new report from March of Dimes highlights the state’s lack of maternity care resources. It reveals that 44 percent of Arkansas counties are considered maternity care deserts. This means 33 out of 75 counties lack hospitals or birth centers that offer obstetric care. Furthermore, these areas do not have obstetric clinicians available.
For women in these underserved regions, the absence of local maternity facilities results in extended travel times for essential prenatal services. This situation reflects a need for increasing healthcare resources and access to improve maternal and child health outcomes in Arkansas.
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