Challenges of Maternity Care in Arkansas

For many women in Arkansas, getting routine prenatal care means traveling long distances. This is due to the state’s lack of accessible maternity services. As of 2026, Arkansas has been recognized by Americans United for Life as the most pro-life state in the country for six years running. However, the March of Dimes report reveals a concerning reality.

In Arkansas, 33 out of 75 counties, which accounts for 44 percent, have been identified as maternity care deserts. These areas lack hospitals or birth centers that offer obstetric care, and they also do not have any obstetric clinicians. This situation poses significant challenges for expectant mothers who may need to drive over an hour for prenatal appointments.

Such shortages highlight a crucial gap in healthcare services for women and children in the state. Despite Arkansas’s recognized pro-life stance, improving access to necessary maternity care remains essential for the well-being of mothers and their unborn children.

Efforts to address these gaps involve ensuring that more counties have the resources and facilities required to support expectant mothers. This includes opening more clinics, hiring trained clinicians, and establishing transportation assistance to help women reach the care they need.