Approximately 33% of the counties in New Mexico are classified as “maternity care deserts.”
Albuquerque, NM – New Mexico is grappling with a critical shortage of healthcare workers and significant difficulties accessing medical care, particularly maternity services. A recent study from the University of New Mexico’s College of Population Health reveals that approximately one-third of counties in the state are classified as “OB deserts,” meaning they lack sufficient obstetric care providers.
For residents like a single mother in Las Vegas, this shortage translates into long and challenging travel for medical appointments for herself and her newborn. She shared with the College of Population Health that coordinating her visits during pregnancy required careful scheduling and taking time off work, while also arranging child care for her other children.
The situation has worsened since Alta Vista Regional Hospital in Las Vegas closed its labor and delivery unit in 2022 due to a shortage of healthcare providers. According to a 2023 report by the March of Dimes, women in counties with the longest travel times are forced to drive up to an average of 97.1 miles to reach the nearest birthing hospital. Approximately 18% of New Mexicans live more than 30 minutes away from a birthing hospital, a rate significantly higher than the national average of nearly 10%.
The scarcity of obstetric care in New Mexico is attributed to several factors, including the state’s vast geographic size, demanding work schedules for healthcare providers, and the need for improved infrastructure. In rural areas, professional isolation and limited healthcare development compound these issues, according to the UNM College of Population Health.
Inadequate prenatal care can lead to serious complications for both mothers and babies, including increased risks of birth complications and even death. The New Mexico Maternal Mortality Review Committee reported in late 2023 that maternal deaths in the state remain largely preventable and occur at rates much higher than the national average.
To address these challenges, the March of Dimes report advocates for several measures, including expanding Medicaid coverage, implementing midwifery care models, establishing reimbursement for doula services, and enhancing telehealth availability across the state to encompass a broader range of specialties.
One promising initiative is the New Mexico Rural Obstetric Access & Maternal Service, a program that connects northern New Mexicans with providers through virtual prenatal and postnatal care. However, the adoption of such technologies is hindered by limited broadband access in many rural communities, which delays the availability of these critical services.
Efforts to improve maternity care in New Mexico are ongoing, but addressing these gaps will require concerted action to enhance accessibility and support for expectant mothers across the state.
