Georgia moms face fewer birthing options as centers close and provider shortages grow

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Birthing options across the country are shrinking as hospitals close and shortages of maternity care providers leave expecting mothers with difficult choices, according to a recent report from the March of Dimes.

In Southeast Georgia, the recent closure of the Savannah Birthing Center is adding to the strain — forcing some families to travel long distances, and in some cases out of state, for the type of care they want.

“It’s not ideal to have to drive two hours”

For expecting mom Ella Marie, the loss of local options has turned prenatal care into a weekly road trip.

“It’s not ideal to have to drive two hours for every single appointment, especially as you get later on, you need to have an appointment every week,” said Ella Marie, expecting mom.

Advocates say the problem isn’t limited to one closure. They point to broader gaps in access to maternity services — including fewer holistic care options, and communities with little or no local prenatal care.

Georgia maternity care deserts

The March of Dimes reports that nearly 35% of counties in Georgia are maternity care deserts, meaning they lack hospitals or birth centers offering obstetric care and/or have few to no obstetric providers.

Local birth workers say that shortage is compounded by barriers that prevent certified midwives from practicing in some areas.

“We have lots of institutions in Georgia that are certifying midwives… and they don’t have anywhere to work because the hospital won’t give them privileges to work as midwives in those hospitals in our area,” said Emily Bohannon, a birth doula.

Bohannon said communities outside major metro areas can be especially vulnerable.

“Statesboro… we’re even closer to like the desert area of population where there aren’t clinics,” said Bohannon.

Leaving the state for care

Marie said she visited four different doctors before deciding to seek care outside Georgia, traveling to Charleston.

“I’m glad that we have the option to have these fabulous surgeons, but I would love to be able to choose to not have a surgeon, and to have a midwife,” said Marie.

What solutions could help?

Those interviewed said improving access will likely require multiple providers working together — including doulas, midwives and OB-GYNs — especially as the state faces provider shortages.

“Bridging the gap… where the doulas and the midwives and the OBGYNs can all come together and figure out how to best serve this community, the state of Georgia,” said Anjali Sharma, owner of Restoration Chiropractic.

Families seeking holistic or doula-supported care are already traveling significant distances, and providers say they are seeing patients come from the Savannah area following the birthing center closure.