Maternity deserts grow as more Labor and Delivery units close nationwide

(InvestigateTV) — Millions of women in the U.S. lack quick access to a critical part of healthcare, and it can have deadly consequences. These women live in maternity deserts.

It is a growing concern as more labor and delivery units close nationwide.

In most urban areas, the travel time to a hospital with delivery services is under 20 minutes.

For rural parts of the country, the travel time is often 40 minutes or more. Some mothers have to drive for hours to the nearest care, fearing they might deliver in the car.

It’s a nightmare that became a reality for one Kansas family as they could not make it to the closest delivery unit in time.

Reporter Angie Ricono takes an in-depth look at how their roadside miracle highlights a need for reliable maternity care.

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