New research from Tulane University’s Newcomb Institute highlights a growing challenge for expectant mothers in Louisiana, finding that nearly one-third of the state’s parishes—including Red River Parish—lack adequate access to maternity care.

The report defines a maternity care desert as a parish with no hospitals, birth centers, or providers offering maternity care services. Researchers found that 19 of Louisiana’s 64 parishes, or about 30%, fall into that category. An additional 14 parishes have only limited access, with just one maternity care facility available. Nearly half of all parishes have no obstetric physician services at all.

Red River Parish was identified as one of the state’s maternity care deserts, meaning expectant mothers often must travel outside the parish to receive prenatal care, labor and delivery services, or specialized obstetric care. Researchers say these challenges are especially common in rural communities, where longer travel times can delay care and increase the risk of complications for both mothers and babies.

The report found that rural population density—not poverty or race alone—is the strongest predictor of whether a parish becomes a maternity care desert. Researchers noted that the majority of Louisiana’s maternity care deserts are located in the northern part of the state, where provider shortages have become increasingly common.

Louisiana continues to face some of the nation’s poorest maternal and infant health outcomes. According to the report, improving access will require more than opening additional facilities. Researchers say the state also needs to recruit and retain obstetric physicians, expand the maternity care workforce through nurses and certified nurse midwives, and ensure high-quality care is available for families regardless of where they live.

The findings underscore the ongoing challenges many rural families face when seeking maternity care and highlight the need for continued efforts to improve access to healthcare services throughout Louisiana.