The Rise of Home Births: Rural Hospitals Closing Maternity Wards

Rural hospitals across the United States are closing their maternity wards, leaving pregnant women with limited options for care. The closures have led to an increase in "maternity care deserts," where counties lack hospitals or birth centers that offer obstetric care. This lack of access to care has resulted in higher rates of complications and even death for rural residents. One potential solution gaining traction is the establishment of freestanding midwife-led birth centers, but these centers often rely on nearby hospitals for serious complications. The closure of maternity units in rural hospitals highlights the need for increased government intervention and support to address the maternal care crisis in rural areas.