Rural PA hospitals close labor units amid declining birth rates, leaving expectant mothers at higher risk

The article discusses the closure of labor and delivery units in rural Pennsylvania hospitals due to declining birth rates. Stephanie Zuroski, a pregnant woman living in Elk County, is concerned as her nearest hospital for childbirth will be over an hour’s drive away after Penn Highlands Hospital moves its maternity services elsewhere on May 1st. The move limits maternal health care options and raises risks during pregnancy or birth. Two other counties are also affected by the closure of labor and delivery units, making them “maternity care deserts” with no obstetric providers nearby. This poses higher health issues due to further traveling time that exposes patients with high-risk pregnancies to emergencies while in transit or at home without medical support. The situation has led some women to schedule inductions earlier than medically necessary, as they want a controlled environment for childbirth and can’t afford the risks of giving birth on their way to hospital delivery rooms. Some hospitals have closed birthing centers due to declining numbers of deliveries while others remain open with plans for re-establishment following closure announcements. The article highlights that midwives, telehealth services, and community advocacy could provide alternatives or support in rural areas where access is limited by distance from medical facilities. It also emphasizes the need for communities to value maternal healthcare more as declining birth rates have left hundreds of thousands without care across states, including Pennsylvania. The article concludes that pregnant women should not be affected negatively regarding their health outcomes based on location or choice of residence due to insufficient accessibility and quality of medical facilities in rural areas.