In recent years, Arkansas has been recognized as the most pro-life state in the United States, maintaining this status for six years as noted by Americans United for Life. Despite this recognition, a recent report by the March of Dimes highlights significant challenges in the state’s maternity care system.

According to the report, a substantial portion of the state is considered a maternity care desert. Specifically, 33 out of Arkansas’s 75 counties, or 44 percent, lack essential maternity care resources. These areas have no hospitals or birthing centers offering obstetric care, nor do they have access to obstetric clinicians. This shortage forces many women to travel long distances for routine prenatal appointments, often driving an hour or more to receive basic care.