Kansas is ranked 11th among 20 states with the largest gaps in maternity care, with 62% of rural hospitals in the state lacking labor and delivery services. Despite this, Clay County Medical Center (CCMC) stands as one of the few lifelines for rural families, providing essential obstetric (OB) services to communities in the region.
According to a recent report by the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform (CHQPR), more than 50 rural hospitals nationwide have stopped offering maternity care over the past two years. The CHQPR report noted “over 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable with timely and appropriate care.”
As of 2023, nearly 57% of rural U.S. hospitals no longer provide labor and delivery services, leaving many families with limited access to crucial prenatal, delivery, and postnatal care. Kansas is facing this challenge directly, with 62 of its 100 rural hospitals discontinuing these services. Families in areas without OB services must travel hours to access essential care, which can increase health risks and stress. However, Clay County Medical Center, as one of just 38 rural hospitals in Kansas still offering OB services, continues to play a vital role in ensuring safe births and maternal health.
Dr. Allie Lohrmeyer at Clay County Medical Center emphasized, "Access to maternity care in rural communities is a critical issue. For many families, CCMC is the difference between having a safe delivery close to home and having to endure long and potentially dangerous travel to reach the nearest hospital with labor and delivery services. It’s essential that we continue to advocate for and preserve these services to protect the health and wellbeing of our families."
Despite the challenges faced by rural hospitals across the country—many of which struggle with financial losses from maternity care services—the importance of retaining these services cannot be overstated.
“I’m very glad that Clay County Medical Center has committed to providing obstetric coverage in our community,” stated Dr. Eric Anderson. “It brings me a great joy to be able to take care of Mothers and babies and I am happy that we are able to provide this service close to home.”
CCMC’s ability to maintain its maternity care demonstrates the hospital's resilience and its commitment to meeting the needs of the rural communities they serve.