Introduction
Access to obstetric care is a crucial factor in ensuring the health of mothers and infants. However, a recent study conducted by the University of Minnesota School of Public Health reveals a concerning trend: a decline in hospital-based obstetric care across the United States, with rural areas being the hardest hit.
Study Overview
The comprehensive analysis examined obstetric services in 4,964 short-term, acute-care hospitals across all 50 states and the District of Columbia from 2010 to 2022. The findings indicate a widespread reduction in hospital-based obstetric services, with significant variability among states. This decline has disproportionately impacted rural communities, where access to maternal and infant care is already limited.
Methodology
Researchers from the University of Minnesota developed an enhanced algorithm to identify and validate whether hospitals ceased providing obstetric services. This could be due to complete hospital closures or the shutdown of obstetric units over the 12-year period. The study distinguished hospitals based on their location in urban or rural counties and highlighted states with a high rural population—those where more than 30% of the population resides in rural areas.
Key Findings
The study, published in Health Affairs, underscores the erosion of access to hospital-based obstetric care in both rural and urban communities across many U.S. states. This decline is occurring amidst a maternal health crisis and a rapidly changing state health policy environment. Lead author Katy Backes Kozhimannil, a Distinguished McKnight University Professor, emphasized the risks associated with obstetric unit closures, which can increase the distance to care and endanger pregnant patients and newborns.
Impact on Rural Communities
The analysis revealed significant variability in obstetric care losses across states, highlighting the growing challenges faced by individuals living in rural communities and highly rural states. In some highly rural states, over 60% of hospitals lacked obstetric services by 2022, exacerbating barriers to maternal and infant care.
Collaborative Effort
The research was a collaborative effort involving University of Minnesota co-authors Dr. Julia Interrante, Dr. Caitlin Carroll, Emily Sheffield, and Alyssa Fritz. The study also included contributions from researchers at the University of Pennsylvania (Dr. Sara Handley) and Harvard University (Dr. Alecia McGregor).
Conclusion
The decline in hospital-based obstetric care across the United States, particularly in rural areas, poses a significant challenge to maternal and infant health. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, addressing these disparities and ensuring access to essential obstetric services is critical.
🔗 **Fuente:** https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-hospital-based-obstetric-declines-rural.html