Nebraska sees measurable decline in access to maternity care, five new counties became maternity care desert

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — In a new study by March of Dimes, maternity care deserts are being recognized across the U.S.

Nebraska saw measurable declines in access, according to the study. Five counties became maternity care deserts in the last eight years.

A maternity care desert is a county with zero hospitals or birth centers offering obstetric care, treatment given before, during and after pregnancy.

According to the study, one in three counties in the U.S. are maternity care deserts. 58% of rural counties do not have one OB clinic, let alone a clinic. The reason for these maternity care deserts is the low funding to this area of healthcare, according to March of Dimes.