Pregnant women in rural and underserved areas cannot access nearby maternity care

Expectant mothers face dangerous delays and long-distance travel to deliver babies as nearly 50% of U.S. hospitals have closed obstetric services, particularly in rural regions. Hospital closures driven by Medicaid funding cuts and financial pressure leave pregnant women with limited options, forcing them to travel hours during labor or deliver in unsafe conditions. Current solutions like telemedicine and regional referral networks fail to address the fundamental shortage of physical maternity infrastructure.