For women living in rural parts of New Mexico, access to obstetric and gynecological (OB-GYN) care is often limited. Obstetric care, which involves the treatment of pregnant women including child delivery, is a particularly limited service in the state. So much so, that parts of New Mexico are referred to as “OB deserts.” It’s an issue that The University of New Mexico’s College of Population Health (COPH) is trying to help solve.
As of 2022, one in three counties statewide are considered OB deserts. While sparsely populated areas often face the most severe shortages, even some urban and suburban communities in New Mexico may struggle with insufficient access to these essential health care services due to socioeconomic challenges.
The scarcity of OB care stems from various factors, including the geographic size of New Mexico, the challenging work schedules of health care providers, and the need for infrastructure development. In rural areas, professional isolation and limited health care development further exacerbate the problem. Some hospitals across the state have closed their labor and delivery units due to financial pressures and staffing shortages leaving those who are pregnant with fewer options for care, often forcing them to travel long distances for routine check-ups or emergency services. A notable series of delivery care unit closures in the state occurred at Alta Vista Hospital in Las Vegas, in June 2022, accompanied by closures in the cities of Gallup and Artesia.
For those who are from low-income or marginalized communities, these barriers to care are especially present, regardless of their geographic location. Transportation costs, time off work, and child care arrangements can make it difficult or impossible to access regular prenatal care. This lack of consistent care increases the risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth for both women and babies.
In a recent interview with a single mother of a newborn in Las Vegas, New Mexico, she described some of her experience accessing maternal health care.
"It’s rough having kids out here in Vegas. My doctor had to help schedule out all my visits for my pregnancy so I could schedule time off," she said.
In her case, it meant traveling over one hour to either Albuquerque or Santa Fe. She also needed to find child care for her other children during her pregnancy, sometimes twice a week, in order to drive to maternity care appointments.
Indigenous people and other minority populations in New Mexico are particularly affected by OB deserts. Historical discrimination, cultural barriers, and systemic inequities regarding health care access compound the difficulties people face in receiving adequate maternal care. The shortage of culturally competent health care providers further widens the gap in health opportunities for these underserved populations both in rural and urban settings across the state.
Telemedicine has emerged as a potential solution to bridge some gaps in obstetric care especially in areas with provider shortages. However limited broadband access delays adoption this technology many New Mexico communities particularly isolated low-income areas delays adoption this technology Additionally while telemedicine can provide valuable support cannot fully replace person aspects obstetrics gynecology highlighting need comprehensive solutions Broadband access only obstacle considering type treatment however as New Mexico Medicaid yet authorize telemedicine OB-GYN
UNM’s COPH is aiming help offering 12-credit online mixed discipline minor certificate Maternal Child Health MCH leadership program This MCH program allows participants develop knowledge skills around well-being families Topics covered within program include women’s health children’s social determinants equity racism life course theory policy research programs cultural linguistic centered interventions nutrition oral leadership interdisciplinary approaches prevention promotion practices COPH strives educate promote values make up excellent services such sensitivity thoughtfulness respect each unique individual’s needs
“We aspire grow workforce responsive needs our communities prepared address inequities faced by pregnant people children families well those residing frontier communities” — Tammy L Thomas PhD MSW MPH UNM College Population Health
Addressing OB deserts requires strategic approach considers diverse intersecting needs communities may include incentives practice underserved support hospitals maintain investment telemedicine infrastructure programs train retain local providers Funding rural pivotal element reducing gaps underserved populations
One organization aiming alleviate difficulties ROAMS Rural Access Service Project For seeking provides free resources mothers pregnant individuals living Colfax Harding Mora Taos Union counties Policymakers leaders must prioritize efforts ensure equitable quality reproductive regardless socioeconomic status cultural background committed research outreach collaboration agencies hopes improving equity facing challenges accessing
