Black Women in Pregnancy Deserts: 5 Steps to Ensure You Get the Care You Need!

A recent GoodRx report has unveiled a shocking reality: nearly six million women of childbearing age in the U.S. live more than an hour away from the nearest high-risk pregnancy specialist, creating vast “deserts” of crucial care. This lack of access spells trouble for pregnant women in rural and underserved communities, particularly Black and American Indian/Alaskan Native mothers who already face higher risks of pregnancy complications. Key findings include: High-risk pregnancy specialists are scarce in areas with greater needs, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. States with the highest maternal mortality rates often lack these specialists, forcing women to travel long distances for vital care. Despite these barriers, over 366,000 births occurred in these underserved areas in 2022. Women without access to high-risk specialists faced labor complications at more than twice the rate of those who could receive specialized care. Following the CDC’s recent maternal mortality report, BlackDoctor.org spoke with Karla Robinson, MD, Medical Editor at GoodRx to dive into the far-reaching implications of the GoodRx findings, how these disparities impact maternal health, the challenges of long-distance travel for care, and provide practical advice for women in underserved areas to navigate their pregnancies and secure necessary medical attention. What are the key...