What We’re Reading: Reduction in Pediatric Hospital Care; Jewish Women File Abortion Lawsuit; Maternity Health Deserts

Children’s Hospital Closures May Restrict Care Access

Pediatric units are closing around the country in regional medical centers and local facilities due to profit margins for the hospitals, according to the New York Times. Adult patients and beds make more money than pediatric patients, leading many care facilities to cut down on pediatric care. Staff shortages, inflation, low Medicaid reimbursement, and dwindling federal subsidies have left hospitals searching for ways to get profits back, leading to cuts in pediatric care. Experts in health policy have said that encouraging hospitals to care for children by increasing the Medicaid reimbursement rates may be a solution, but other experts say that this regulatory move would not be realistic, as adult procedures would still provide the biggest payout for hospitals.

Jewish Women Sue Over Kentucky Abortion Laws

Jewish women in Kentucky have filed a lawsuit against the abortion laws in the state, citing religious freedom, the Washington Post reports. The lawsuit from the 3 women is the third lawsuit from Jewish organizations or individuals since the overturning of Roe v Wade, following 2 other lawsuits in Florida and Indiana, that argue that the laws are impeding on their religious freedoms by forcing a Christian view of when life begins onto those who do not follow that doctrine. Most Jewish people believe that abortion is allowed and even necessary in some cases. The lawsuit comes as Kentucky voters will decide whether to approve or deny a proposed constitutional amendment that would outlaw abortion in the state.

Report Finds Gaps in Access to Maternity Care

Gaps in obstetric accessibility have been found nationwide, as 36% of all counties in the United States are without obstetric care, according to a March of Dimes report covered by STAT. These counties, referred to as “maternity care deserts,” are mostly found in rural areas, and 7 million women across the country are living in areas that have limited or no access to health care services for maternity care. The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate of countries with comparable wealth, with Black women 3 times more likely to die as a result of a pregnancy compared with White women. Experts worry that access to reproductive care will decrease in the future as the health care system copes with staff shortages and increased abortion restrictions, which could put pregnant people more at risk.