This article aims to examine the state of maternal and infant health in Arkansas, highlighting the concerning statistics, addressing the difficulties faced by mothers and infants, and exploring potential solutions to enhance the situation.
Arkansas holds an unenviable title as the state with the highest maternal mortality rate in the nation. It is a distressing fact that giving birth in Arkansas carries more risk compared to any other state in the country. Shockingly, our state also ranks third in terms of infant mortality, trailing behind only Louisiana and Mississippi. These statistics paint a grim picture of the challenges faced by mothers and infants in Arkansas.
Maternal mortality is a deeply concerning issue, especially considering that it is largely preventable. In Arkansas, the rate of maternal deaths during pregnancy or shortly after giving birth is alarmingly high. This crisis demands immediate attention and comprehensive action to ensure the safety and well-being of mothers.
Infant mortality is a devastating outcome that no parent should have to face. Unfortunately, Arkansas struggles with a high infant mortality rate, indicating a pressing need for intervention and support to improve newborn health outcomes.
Read about preventing maternal mortality from the Center for Reproductive Rights:
Some of the key factors contributing to this issue:
With the enactment of a near-total abortion ban in Arkansas in 2022, the situation has worsened. The restrictions are so stringent that hospitals and doctors are apprehensive about providing care to women in crisis during pregnancy.
One of the major obstacles faced by expectant mothers in Arkansas is the limited access to maternity care services. Many counties in the state are classified as maternity care deserts, lacking hospitals or birth centers offering obstetric care and obstetric providers.
Racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health further exacerbate the challenges faced by mothers in Arkansas. The preterm birth rate among babies born to black mothers is significantly higher compared to other racial and ethnic groups.
One Arkansas family had to make a difficult decision about ending their pregnancy due to dire circumstances, as many women have had to do since 2022. They traveled hundreds of miles out of state to receive abortion care, facing a decision they never thought they would have to make.
Some key initiatives and strategies that can pave the way for improved maternal and infant health outcomes:
It is vital to prevent unintended pregnancies. All women, including adolescents, need access to contraception, safe abortion services to the full extent of the law, and quality post-abortion care.
Extending Medicaid coverage for women to one year postpartum is a crucial step toward ensuring access to comprehensive care during the critical period after childbirth.
Paid family leave is a vital policy that supports mothers and families during the postpartum period. By mandating employers to provide a paid leave option for new parents, Arkansas can promote bonding between parents and newborns, facilitate better postpartum recovery, and enhance overall family well-being.
Doula care can reduce rates of cesarean births, increase breastfeeding success, and improve overall satisfaction with the birthing experience. Reimbursing doula care through Medicaid can make this valuable support accessible to a wider range of women.
On June 24, 2022, Arkansas began enforcing its trigger ban, which prohibits abortion at all stages of pregnancy, Code Ann. § 5-61-301 to –304. In November 2024 citizens in Arkansas will right that wrong.By implementing urgent attention and action, Arkansans can significantly enhance maternal and infant health outcomes. Policy changes are necessary to achieve this goal. It is anticipated that in November 2024, the citizens of Arkansas will have the chance to initiate policy change through a citizen-led women's healthcare initiative, which aims to amend the Arkansas Constitution and restore women's right to an abortion and the healthcare they need to carry a pregnancy to term.
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