Iowa faces a maternal health crisis. What’s behind the shortage of OB-GYNs?

DES MOINES, Iowa — A Des Moines-area health care facility is expanding its OB-GYN team, but leaders say there is still a lot of work to be done to address shortages in the region.

Any county across the country can be labeled a “maternal care desert,” which is defined as an area without a hospital, birthing center or standalone OB-GYN office. However, in Iowa, one in every three counties holds that designation, according to the nonprofit March of Dimes.

Dr. Evan Olson practices in the OB-GYN department at the Iowa Clinic…

Story continues

TRENDING NOW

LATEST LOCAL NEWS