NC Has Plenty of Doctors and Nurses to Deliver Babies, but Rural Counties Still Go Without

NC Newsline

Mar 10, 2026

Describes the maternal healthcare workforce distribution in North Carolina and health disparities for rural residents where there are workforce shortages. Notes that recent policy measures aiming to increase rural access with certified nurse midwives has not fully addressed the shortage. Discusses the potential for doulas to fill the gap.

Access · Health disparities · Health workforce supply and demand · Legislation and regulations · Maternal health workforce · Nurse practitioners and other advanced practice registered nurses · North Carolina