At Vita Nova Maternity Community, we believe every woman deserves access to quality maternity care regardless of where she lives. Unfortunately, for many women in Nebraska and across the nation, that access is not guaranteed. According to the 2024 March of Dimes report Nowhere to Go: Maternity Care Deserts Across the US, Nebraska ranks among the worst states for maternity care access with the fifth-highest percentage of counties classified as maternity care deserts. This stark reality reinforces why our work at Vita Nova is more important than ever.
The alarming state of maternity care in Nebraska
The March of Dimes report highlights a troubling trend: more than 35% of counties in the U.S. lack a single birthing facility or obstetric clinician. In Nebraska, this issue is particularly severe, forcing many pregnant women to travel long distances for prenatal care, delivery and postpartum support. The closure of obstetric units, provider shortages and restrictive policies on midwifery care only make the problem worse.
For expectant mothers living in these maternity care deserts, the consequences are significant. Limited access to care leads to higher rates of preterm birth, inadequate prenatal care and increased health risks for both mother and baby. The report estimates that from 2020-2022, more than 10,000 preterm births occurred in maternity care deserts and low-access counties, underscoring the urgent need for systemic change.
Vita Nova: A local solution to a national crisis
At Vita Nova, we’re committed to addressing these challenges head-on. Established in November 2023, our Sarpy County campus opened in April 2024 as a sanctuary for pregnant women and young mothers. We provide safe, clean housing, nutritious meals, childcare and educational opportunities, empowering women to break the cycle of poverty and create stable, healthy futures for their children.
Our approach is holistic. We recognize that barriers to maternity care go beyond medical access—they also include financial instability, lack of transportation and inadequate support systems. That’s why Vita Nova is strategically located near large employers, enabling mothers to find and maintain stable jobs. Additionally, we offer long-term housing options for our program alumni, ensuring they continue to thrive well beyond pregnancy and early motherhood.
The path forward: Advocacy and action
The findings from the March of Dimes report reinforce what we at Vita Nova see every day: Nebraska’s maternity care system needs urgent reform. Expanding and extending Medicaid coverage has helped increase access in some areas, but more needs to be done. We must advocate for policies that increase support for midwives and birth centers, ensuring they can fill gaps in maternal healthcare. Sustainable funding must be secured for obstetric units in rural hospitals to prevent further closures. Insurance reimbursement rates need to improve to make maternity care more financially viable for hospitals and providers. Enhancing transportation options is also critical so expectant mothers in maternity care deserts can access essential services without unnecessary hardships.
Vita Nova stands as a model for what’s possible. Our work is a blueprint for other communities across the nation seeking solutions to the maternal healthcare crisis. But we can’t do it alone. We invite local leaders, healthcare professionals and community members to join us in this mission. Together, we can ensure that no woman in Nebraska—or anywhere in the U.S.—has to navigate pregnancy without the care and support she deserves. Together, we can redefine maternity care, combat maternity care deserts and create a brighter future for mothers and babies everywhere.