WABC New York: Maternity care deserts in the United States

WABC New York: Maternity care deserts in the United States

Dr. Mark Simon, chief medical officer at OBHG, joined ABC7 New York (WABC) to discuss the growing crisis of maternity care deserts across the U.S. The interview follows the release of March of Dimes' 2026 report, "Nowhere to Go: Maternity Care Deserts Across the U.S.," which OBHG sponsored as part of a new two-year partnership with March of Dimes to advance maternity care access.

The report found that 34.6% of U.S. counties are maternity care deserts, and at least 96 labor and delivery units have closed since 2024. Dr. Simon discussed the factors driving these closures and the role hospital partnerships and clinician staffing models play in keeping labor and delivery units open in underserved communities.

Watch the segment