LANSDOWNE, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — According to a recent March of Dimes report, maternity deserts are growing in Pennsylvania, and one of the last maternal care facilities in Delaware County is set to close due to a lack of funding.
“We have just been maintaining, maybe one day a week. We still give to the different families because we're fully stocked, but because of the lack of funding for the staff, we have to close,” said Theresa Pettaway, director of the Pettaway Pursuit Foundation.
The nonprofit has been serving expectant mothers and families in the area for over 20 years, offering support such as doulas, lactation sessions and nutrition programs.
“Donations [are] still come in, but not funding. So, if there's any type of funding that could help us continue … we would definitely be here to stay, ” Pettaway added.
Still, she remains hopeful.
The closure would be devastating to the area, as it would mean even more barriers to care. Acting Secretary of Health and Pennsylvania Physician General Dr. Denise Johnson agrees.
“In Pennsylvania, over 105,000 women of childbearing age have access to limited or no maternity care at all, and that should not be tolerable for us as a society, as a community, as a commonwealth,” Dr. Johnson said. “We really need to address those issues.”
Dr. Johnson also said it’s important to note that of all developed countries, the United States is the most dangerous place to give birth.
Each year, more than 700 women die during or just after giving birth. In 2020, that number reached 812.
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Lack of access to prenatal care is one of the factors that contribute to the overall maternal mortality rate, which in Pennsylvania is 82 deaths per 100,000 live births.
For Black women it’s even worse, at 163 deaths per 100,000 live births.
“Black women experience the highest number of maternal mortality rates in comparison to any other subgroup in the United States,” said LaDeshia Maxwell, executive director of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on African American Affairs.
“It is important that in Pennsylvania, we do everything that we can to ensure Black women have access to quality, equitable maternal care. Maternity care deserts only make it more difficult for Black women to receive the care they need for the issues that are ‘common’ for our demographic, such as hypertension.”
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She urged an increase in the number of maternal care providers in the state, and stronger support for Black women health care providers “who are doing the work to ensure that Black women are receiving quality care.”
Amy Reid, a mother, said she received much-needed support at Pettaway when she was pregnant.
“Doula, lactation consultation as well as even just resources, so they would connect you with whatever you needed if you needed,” Reid said.
Both Reid and others hope funding will be made available to keep the Pettaway Pursuit Foundation facility open.