https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/topics/maternal-health-prenatal-care Rural Health & Human Services News by Topic: Maternal health and prenatal care - Rural Health Information Hub en Copyright 2026 Rural Health Information Hub https://www.northcarolinahealthnews.org/2026/03/06/chatham-hospital-shows-one-way-to-restore-rural-maternity-care/ Profiles a labor and delivery department in a rural North Carolina Critical Access Hospital. Maternity services were re-started in 2020 using family physicians after closing the department in 1991. Describes maternity care access across North Carolina, challenges with sustaining the service for rural communities, and how they can be a model to other rural communities. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38314 Fri, 06 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://cardinalnews.org/2026/02/26/the-pulse-virginia-expands-maternal-mental-health-and-cervical-cancer-screening-efforts/ Describes state-level legislation and community initiatives in Virginia to improve access to care for maternal mental health issues and cervical cancer screening. Discusses efforts to include rural residents to specialty care through telehealth. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38291 Thu, 26 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://pccinnovation.org/news-events/rural-vulnerability-in-texas-a-structurally-differ-391 Analyzes chronic disease data to discuss health outcomes in rural Texas. Discusses ways rural health challenges are different from urban ones, noting rural-specific issues around chronic disease, access to care, broadband access, and maternal health. Highlights rural-specific strengths that can be used in healthcare innovation. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38269 Thu, 19 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://den.mercer.edu/school-of-medicine-receives-over-600000-to-continue-fighting-opioid-epidemic/ The Georgia Opioid Crisis Abatement Trust has awarded more than $600,000 to research and prevention projects at Mercer University School of Medicine. The projects address substance use in Georgia and emphasize prevention, treatment, and impact in rural communities most affected by the opioid epidemic. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38245 Wed, 11 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://vitalrecord.tamu.edu/special-delivery-aggies-work-to-support-obstetrics-in-rural-communities/ The Texas Legislature has provided funding through the Rural Engagement Program for Texas A&M Health to develop a practical program to train emergency room personnel to treat expectant mothers in rural Texas. The multidisciplinary training is designed for staff who may be the first to respond to an obstetric emergency. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38233 Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/02/03/2026-02130/request-for-public-comment-on-the-updated-criteria-for-determining-maternity-care-health Notice from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) seeking comments on proposed updates to the criteria for determining Maternity Care Target Areas (MCTAs), geographic areas within Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) that have a shortage of maternity care health professionals. Comments are due by March 5, 2026. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38212 Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/29/2026-01803/modifications-to-the-reimbursement-of-childbirth-support-services-under-the-tricare-childbirth-and Notice from the Department of Defense (DOD) Director of the Defense Health Agency (DHA) announcing adjustments to the certified labor doulas (CLDs) performing childbirth support services under the Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration (CBSD). This notice announces changes to the reimbursement methodology for childbirth support services intended to stabilize reimbursement. DHA is modifying reimbursement for childbirth support services so that the rate approved for March 1, 2025, will be considered a "baseline." The DHA Director will approve a new baseline if it is found that TRICARE reimbursement is not keeping pace with Medicaid reimbursement. The new reimbursement methodology will be effective for rates beginning March 1, 2026. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38201 Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/15/2026-00717/agency-forms-undergoing-paperwork-reduction-act-review The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is allowing an additional 30 days for comments on a proposed information collection project titled "Assessment and Monitoring of Breastfeeding-Related Maternity Care in Intrapartum Care Facilities in the United States and Territories." The Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care (mPINC) survey is a census of maternity care hospitals in the United States and territories to better understand national breastfeeding supportive maternity practices and changes in these practices over time. Information collected will be used to identify, document, and share information related to changes in practices processes over time at the hospital, state, regional, and national levels. Comments are due within 30 days of this notice. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38171 Thu, 15 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600 https://pennsylvaniaindependent.com/uncategorized/maternal-health-care-deserts-rural-hospitals-physicians-obgyn-midwives-childbirth/ Discusses reasons for labor and delivery department closures across Pennsylvania including challenges with recruiting and retaining obstetricians and gynecologists and low reimbursement rates for Medicare and Medicaid. Also notes poor health outcomes associated with maternal healthcare deserts. Describes potential solutions including increasing access to and the scope of practice for nurse midwives and certified midwives https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/news/38168 Tue, 13 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600