Maternity Care Report: A 2026 Report on Louisiana
In Louisiana, maternal health outcomes remain among the worst in the nation. Our new 2026 analysis shows that maternity care deserts are widespread—and may be increasing:
- 30% of parishes lack maternity care
- 47% lack obstetric physicians
- Rural areas are most affected
Access matters—but access alone is not enough. Quality of care, workforce stability, and a policy environment supportive of care all shape outcomes.