A growing number of rural hospitals, including Winner Regional Health in South Dakota, have closed their birthing units, forcing pregnant women to travel over three hours for care. Since 2021, over 100 rural hospitals have stopped delivering babies, contributing to a high rate of complications and mortality among pregnant women, particularly those from marginalized communities. With 58% of South Dakota counties lacking birthing facilities, expectant mothers face increased risks and logistical challenges, which include higher travel costs and the danger of not reaching a hospital in time during emergencies.
"It's going to be a lot more of a stress and a hassle for women to get the health care that they need because they have to go so much further..."
"More than 100 rural hospitals have stopped delivering babies since 2021...Such closures are often blamed on shortages of staff and money."
"About 58% of South Dakota counties have no birthing facilities, the second-highest rate among states..."
"Several women said driving to those facilities would take them through areas without reliable cellphone service, which could be a problem if they have an emergency along the way."
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