Addressing Obstetric Care Gaps in Georgia: A Call to Improve Rural and Minority Access

The study by Meghan Meredith and Dr. Lauren Steimle highlights the urgent need to address gaps in obstetric care across Georgia, particularly in rural areas and minority communities.

With over a third of Georgia’s counties lacking an OBGYN, access to specialized care is critical to improving maternal outcomes.

Although Georgia fares better than some states, with 82% of women in reproductive-age living within 25 miles of an obstetric hospital, many still face significant challenges, especially those with preexisting conditions requiring critical care obstetrics CCO.

The report reveals that 104,158 women live in maternity care deserts, while 150,563 are more than 50 miles away from CCO services.

Expanding 16 hospitals could significantly reduce these barriers, ensuring safer care for high-risk pregnancies in Georgia’s underserved regions.

Dr. Steimle emphasized the importance of local hospitals having the necessary resources to provide safe care, particularly in rural areas.

Similarly, Meredith stressed the need to prioritize high-risk women, as Georgia’s maternal mortality rate is higher than many other states.

The research underscores the necessity of investing in healthcare infrastructure to support maternal care in underserved areas, which could drastically improve outcomes for mothers and babies across Georgia.

 

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