"Maternity Unit Closures in Alabama Spark Concerns for Pregnant Women's Access to Care"

Three maternity units in Alabama are set to close, leaving pregnant women in Shelby and Monroe counties without any birthing units. This closure exacerbates the already high maternal mortality rate in Alabama, which is the highest in the country. The lack of accessible maternal care also puts infants at risk, as Alabama has the third highest infant mortality rate. The closures are attributed to staff shortages and lack of funds. With the recent ban on abortions in the state, the need for maternal care is expected to increase, leading to concerns about worse outcomes for women and children.