Politics in Action | Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

As an advocate deeply committed to the well-being of mothers and babies in Arkansas, I am encouraged by the recent report, Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies, delivered to Governor Sarah Sanders by the Strategic Committee for Maternal Health. The product of months of diligent work by more than 100 stakeholders across the state, this report is not just a collection of policy suggestions—it is a critical lifeline for the women and babies of Arkansas.

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

The shortage of maternity care providers, coupled with the fact that our state has the lowest number of births attended by certified nurse-midwives (CNM/CM) in the country, highlights the systemic problems in our health care system, particularly in rural areas where access to prenatal and postpartum care is often limited. The tragic and often preventable consequences of these gaps in care are devastating and a reminder of the urgency with which we must act.

The release of the Healthy Moms, Healthy Kids report marks a significant turning point in our efforts to address these challenges. It is the culmination of more than 20 meetings, countless listening sessions, and the collaboration of a broad coalition of health care providers, advocates, and community members who came together to provide thoughtful, evidence-based strategies to improve maternal health in Arkansas.

The recommendations in this report are more than just suggestions; they are actionable steps we can start implementing now. Several key recommendations from the report that we need to address immediately include:

Ensuring that all local health units provide prenatal care: This will help close access gaps, especially in rural areas. Expanding prenatal care statewide 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 offer invaluable support, especially in underserved communities. Establishing Medicaid reimbursement for these services will make them accessible to all women, regardless of their financial situation.

Introducing presumptive eligibility for pregnant women eligible for Medicaid. This will ensure that no woman experiences delays in receiving care due to financial or administrative barriers.

Developing a Maternal Health Dashboard: This tool will continuously track key health indicators, providing critical information on where our state is succeeding and where more resources are needed.

Evaluating Medicaid Reimbursement Rates: Ensuring adequate compensation for health care providers is essential to retaining and expanding the maternal health workforce in underserved areas.

The report also recommended conducting a statewide maternal health education campaign, applying for federal grants and shifting some health care responsibilities to better utilize the existing workforce.

But the real impact of these recommendations depends on their implementation. The report presents a clear path forward, but it will require unwavering commitment and cooperation from all of us—leaders of government, health care providers, community organizations, and advocates. We must take ownership of the promises in this report and work tirelessly to deliver on them.

As executive director of Arkansans for Improving Maternal Health, I have seen firsthand the difference comprehensive, compassionate care can make in the lives of women and their families. I have also seen the devastating consequences when it is not provided.

We have a real opportunity to change the narrative about maternal health in Arkansas. By adopting these recommendations and working together to implement them, we can ensure that every mother in our state has access to the care and support she needs to bring a healthy child into the world. This is not just a matter of policy—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, healthier place for mothers and babies. The time to act is now, and I call on all Arkansans to join us in this important effort.

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