ISMS Member Survey Highlights Obstetric Care Challenges in Rural Illinois

February 3, 2023

The March of Dimes recently published several startling statistics from 2022 pertaining to obstetric care in Illinois:

• More than 50% of Illinois counties do not have “full access” to maternity care
• More than 35.3% of Illinois counties are classified as “maternity care deserts”

ISMS recently conducted its own member survey on obstetric care access in rural areas to obtain perspective on the challenges. Their responses highlight the countless geographic, demographic, professional and socioeconomic issues that must be addressed to strengthen access to obstetric care in rural areas.
 
Access ISMS’ Obstetric Care Challenges in Rural Illinois to view the survey results.
 
We will be sharing this report with interested stakeholders to highlight the need to expand access.
 
If you have questions, please contact the ISMS Health Policy Research and Advocacy team by email.