Research Alert: August 29, 2022

Providing High-Quality Support to Pregnant People and Their Families in Racially Diverse Rural Communities

Compared with urban birthing people, rural residents experience higher rates of infant mortality, maternal mortality, and severe maternal morbidity. Rural residents who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color have the highest maternal mortality and infant mortality rates in the country. At the same time as mortality and morbidity are rising, a steady trend of rural hospital and maternity unit closures has reduced access to care for pregnant rural residents. Still, some rural communities thrive, providing high-quality support to pregnant people, parents, infants, and families. This case series highlights examples from racially diverse rural communities, where hospitals and health systems with obstetric units strive to meet patient needs and provide evidence-based, supportive services during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.

Additional Resources of Interest:

• More information about the University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center
• More information from the Rural Health Information Hub's topic guides: Healthcare Access, Hospitals, Rural Health Disparities, Social Determinants of Health