Politics in Action | The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

As an advocate deeply invested in the well-being of mothers and babies in Arkansas, I am encouraged by the recent “Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies” report submitted to Governor Sarah Sanders by the Maternal Health Strategic Committee. The product of months of diligent work by more than 100 stakeholders across our state, this report isn’t just a collection of policy suggestions—it’s a crucial lifeline for Arkansas women and babies.

Arkansas has long struggled with alarmingly high rates of maternal and infant mortality, ranking first in the nation for both. Additionally, the recently released 2024 March of Dimes report ranks Arkansas sixth in the nation for maternity care deserts, meaning more than 50 percent of our counties do not have a birthing unit or obstetrician clinician.

The shortage of obstetric care providers, coupled with the fact that our state has the lowest number of Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNM/CM)-assisted births in the country, highlights systemic problems in our health care system, especially in rural areas where access to prenatal and postnatal care is often limited. The tragic and often preventable consequences of these gaps in care are devastating and remind us of the urgency with which we must act.

The release of the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies report marks a significant turning point in our efforts to address these challenges head-on. It is the culmination of more than 20 meetings, countless listening sessions, and the collaborative work of a broad coalition of health professionals, advocates, and community members who have come together to deliver thoughtful, data-driven strategies, to improve maternal health in Arkansas.

The recommendations in this report are more than suggestions; provides actionable steps we can implement now. Some of the key recommendations outlined in the report that we need to address immediately include:

Ensuring that all local health facilities offer antenatal care: This will help close access gaps, particularly in rural areas. Expanding prenatal care nationwide will prevent complications, save lives, and improve outcomes for both mothers and babies.

Creating a Medicaid Pathway for Doulas and Community Health Workers: Doulas and community health workers provide invaluable support, especially in underserved communities. Establishing Medicaid reimbursement for these services will make them accessible to all women, regardless of their financial situation.

Implementing presumptive eligibility for Medicaid-eligible pregnant women: This will ensure that no woman is delayed in receiving care because of financial or administrative barriers.

Developing a Maternal Health Dashboard: This tool will track key health indicators in real time, providing critical insight into where our state is succeeding and where more resources are needed.

Evaluating Medicaid Reimbursement Rates: Ensuring that health care providers are adequately compensated is critical to maintaining and expanding the maternal health workforce in underserved areas.

The report also recommends creating a statewide maternal health education campaign, applying for federal grants, and reassigning certain health care responsibilities to better utilize the existing workforce.

However, the real impact of these recommendations depends on their implementation. The report outlines a clear path forward, but it will require unwavering commitment and collaboration from everyone – state leaders, health care providers, community organizations and advocates. We must be accountable to the promises made in this report and work tirelessly to see them fulfilled.

As executive director of Arkansans for Improvement Maternal Health, I have seen firsthand the difference that comprehensive and compassionate care can make in the lives of women and their families. I have also seen the devastating consequences when this care is lacking.

We have a real opportunity to change the narrative on maternal health in Arkansas. By embracing these recommendations and working together to implement them, we can ensure that every mother in our state can access the care and support she needs to deliver a healthy baby. This is not just a matter of politics – it is a moral imperative.

The journey ahead will not be easy, but with strong leadership and a shared commitment to improving maternal health, we can make Arkansas a safer and healthier place for mothers and babies. Now is the time to act, and I urge all Arkanians to join us in this vital effort.

Ashley Bearden Campbell is executive director of Arkansans for Improvement Maternal Health.