Maternity Care Challenges in Arkansas

For women residing in certain areas, receiving regular prenatal care often involves traveling significant distances. On August 30, 2026, the Arkansas Democrat Gazette highlighted this issue, focusing on the challenges women face in the state.

For the past six years, Arkansas has consistently been recognized as the most pro-life state by Americans United for Life. Nevertheless, a recent March of Dimes report sheds light on a different challenge. Of the 75 counties in Arkansas, 33 are classified as maternity care deserts. This figure represents 44 percent of the state’s counties.

These maternity care deserts lack essential healthcare infrastructure. They do not have hospitals or birth centers that provide obstetric care, nor do they have obstetric clinicians available. Women in these areas must drive long distances, often an hour or more, to access routine prenatal care.