obstetrics

Ashley Coleman, a registered nurse who helped start the clinic, said the clinic also allows them to schedule patients for an appointment based on how far along the pregnancy is.

Early access to prenatal care is complicated in rural areas. One hospital tries to make it easier

Abigail Ruhman

Union Hospital in Terre Haute is the only level three certified perinatal hospital in an almost 80-mile radius and serves at least five counties.

The president of National Nurses United, said in addition to closures, the report also highlights Ascension’s “chronic understaffing” in facilities that still provide OB care. (Devan Ridgway/WTIU)

Indiana 'poster child' for national health system's obstetrics closure trend says researcher

Abigail Ruhman

A report shows one hospital system has been closing OB services at a higher rate than the national average — and Indiana is one of the states losing care in the process.

Women's Hospital Respiratory Therapist Stephanie Wrobel is part of the Deaconess sim team. Here, she hands an oxygen mask to Perry County memorial Hospital RN Shawn Brown as EMT's and other nurses watch. The point of their exercise is to care for a new born infant using latest technology manikins and real equipment, like the warming cart the manikin lays in. These sim teams are one way maternal outcomes can be improved in OB deserts.

‘We need best and brightest’ to reduce the maternal mortality rates, increase access

OB deserts — counties without prenatal care — are increasing. The Dobbs Decision striking down Roe v Wade is one major cause.

The director of government affairs for the Indiana Rural Health Association said the organization has three priorities for rural communities: access to basic health care services; sustaining and expanding the health workforce; and investing in the sustainability of the broader community.

Rural health organization presents advocacy priorities ahead of 2024 legislative session

Abigail Ruhman

Rural health leaders in Indiana want more legislative support for rural hospitals and communities. The Indiana Rural Health Association presented its advocacy priorities at a recent policy forum.

Indiana State Health Commissioner Lindsay Weaver said multiple hospitals in the state have closed birthing centers recently and there’s a chance other hospitals will join them.

State officials raise concerns about access to OB care amid birthing center closures, talk solutions

Abigail Ruhman

State officials said Indiana’s lack of access to obstetrics care is growing, which is driving the state’s high infant and maternal mortality rates.

Indiana’s near-total abortion ban leads doctors out-of-state for training

Abigail Ruhman

Indiana University’s School of Medicine is now sending doctors out of state to complete some requirements for the OB-GYN program.