Last Friday, Dr. Max Rogers delivered a healthy baby boy named Malachi at a rural hospital’s labor and delivery unit, only to have the unit close its doors just hours later. This closure marks the third rural hospital in Alabama to stop delivering babies this year. The loss of labor and delivery units is not just a rural issue – even hospitals in urban areas are closing their obstetrical units. Dr. Rogers highlights the importance of physician-led care for mothers and babies, especially in emergencies.
The closure of labor and delivery units not only increases the distance women must travel to give birth but also deprives them of critical care and expertise when complications arise. Dr. Rogers emphasizes the need to address the Medicaid coverage gap in Alabama, which could provide health insurance to thousands of Alabamians and ensure access to medical doctors and specialized care.
As a proud Alabamian, Dr. Rogers urges the state to close the coverage gap to improve healthcare options, especially in rural areas. Expanding coverage would not only benefit families but also support rural medical care and lead to healthier babies. Dr. Rogers believes that closing the coverage gap is the right thing to do for the mothers and babies of Alabama, as it would ensure access to physician-led care and potentially save lives.
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