Bridging the Gap: A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of a New Rural Maternity Care Center Amid Nationwide Closures

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Examines healthcare quality and access following the reopening of a maternity care center at a Critical Access Hospital (CAH) in a rural community that experienced a maternity unit closure. Includes data comparisons of rural maternity care center (MCC) versus suburban tertiary care center patient demographics, delivery outcomes, and patient experiences. Discusses policy efforts to improve access to rural maternal health.

Kathryn Wouk, Ellen Chetwynd, Emily C. Sheffield, et al.

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 23(1),102

01/2026

Access · Children and youth · Closures of healthcare facilities and services · Critical Access Hospitals · Healthcare quality · Maternal health and prenatal care · Policy · Rural-urban differences · Statistics and data · Women