03/31/2026
This isn’t talked about enough - but the OB/GYN shortage is becoming a real crisis.
Across the U.S., millions of women are losing access to basic reproductive and maternity care. Entire counties don’t have a single OB/GYN. Hospitals are closing labor and delivery units. And for many, especially in rural areas, pregnancy now comes with longer drives, fewer options, and higher risk.
Over 35% of counties are considered “maternity care deserts” - meaning no obstetric providers or birthing facilities at all.
Half of U.S. counties don’t even have one practicing OB/GYN.
And it’s not slowing down. The demand for care is rising, while the number of providers is projected to fall short by thousands in the coming years.
Why is this happening?
- Burnout and early retirements among physicians
- Hospital closures, especially in rural communities
- Low reimbursement rates for maternity care
- Legal and political pressures making the field more complex
- Training pipelines that don’t match where care is actually needed
The impact is bigger than inconvenience - it’s about safety.
When care is far away or delayed, risks increase for both moms and babies. And the burden falls hardest on low-income communities and women of color, where access is already limited.
This isn’t just a healthcare issue - it’s a public health issue.
Because no one should have to travel hours, wait months, or go without care during one of the most critical times in their life.
