Why it matters: New workforce data reveals gaps in OB-GYN and certified nurse midwife coverage across rural Utah—leaving family physicians to provide most of the maternal care.
The big picture: OB-GYNs are concentrated along the Wasatch Front and in Washington and Iron counties, with significant gaps in rural areas. Family physicians provide most rural maternity care, often caring for families throughout their lives.
“Family physicians are really the backbone of the rural maternal health workforce,” says Melanie Beagley, senior health research analyst at the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute. “A benefit of that is that they’re really caring for these families longitudinally throughout their life.”
Anna West, with Workforce Development at UDHHS Rural Health, notes the critical role these providers play: “To be a family practice provider in a rural community in Utah is pretty special. You kind of do it all.”
Current status: Rural hospitals are performing well with labor and delivery outcomes.
“We don’t have a problem with unfortunate events happening in the hospitals. The labor and deliveries go well. We have great nurses and staffing,” says Matt McCullough, Rural Hospital Improvement Director.
Looking ahead: Over the next decade, shortages in both OB-GYN and family practice physicians are expected to worsen. However, certified nurse midwife capacity is projected to grow—offering hope for expanded access.
What’s next: Strengthening the rural maternal health workforce is essential to maintaining access for families across Utah.
Learn more: Read the full report at ruralhealth.utah.gov/maternal-health