Oklahoma has been ranked among the worst states in the U.S. for women’s health and reproductive care, according to a recent national health scorecard. The state placed 48th, with only Texas and Mississippi performing worse. The Commonwealth Fund analysis shows Oklahoma’s maternal mortality rate is 31.9 deaths per 100,000 live births, higher than the national average of 26.3 deaths. When it comes to the coverage, access, and affordability of healthcare for women, Oklahoma ranked 45th using data from 2022.
David Radley, a senior scientist at the Commonwealth Fund, highlighted access issues as a significant concern for Oklahoma, especially following the state’s passage of Medicaid expansion in 2021, which aims to improve healthcare access and affordability over time.
A study by the March of Dimes identified more than half of Oklahoma’s counties as healthcare deserts, where access to comprehensive healthcare, including obstetric services, is limited. The average distance to a birthing hospital is 30 miles in these deserts, compared to 11 miles statewide.
Radley emphasized the need to incentivize healthcare providers to work in rural areas, suggesting programs like student loan forgiveness to attract and retain medical professionals.
Beyond geographical barriers, cost is another significant obstacle. The Commonwealth Fund reported that 23% of women of childbearing age in Oklahoma did not seek necessary healthcare due to financial constraints.
Mary Gowin from the University of Oklahoma’s Health Sciences Center noted a critical shortage of providers, with approximately 11,000 patients for every OB-GYN in the state. She stressed the importance of funding initiatives to expand medical residency programs and increase provider numbers, especially in underserved areas.
In response to these challenges, Oklahoma legislators have passed laws aimed at addressing issues such as licensing requirements for birthing centers and reporting maternal deaths promptly. Chad Smith, chair of the Oklahoma Maternal Mortality Review Committee, emphasized the importance of funding directed specifically towards maternal health to make a meaningful impact.
Despite these efforts, Gowin emphasized the ongoing need for research and funding dedicated to women’s health, underscoring the broader implications for the nation’s health outcomes.
Overall, while acknowledging pockets of good care, experts agree that enhancing healthcare infrastructure and addressing systemic barriers are crucial steps towards improving women’s health outcomes in Oklahoma.
