This content offers an exploration of maternal health data, reports, and barriers to prenatal care in Iowa.
Maternal Mortality Review Committee Reports (MMRC)
Previous reports can be found on the Iowa Publications Online archive.
Medicaid Maternal Health Data
- 2023 Selected health indicators to monitor maternal and newborn health among Iowa resident births by Medicaid status, 2019 through 2023
- 2021 Access to prenatal care, selected behaviors, and selected birth outcomes by Medicaid status among Iowa resident births 2017-2021
- 2020 - Access to prenatal care, selected behaviors, and selected birth outcomes by Medicaid status among Iowa resident births 2016 - 2020
Access to Obstetrical Care in Iowa: A Report to the Iowa State Legislature
Iowa HHS, Division of Health Promotion & Chronic Disease Prevention, Bureau of Family Health, respectfully submits this annual report in response to a 1997 mandate that amended Iowa Code 135.11, Section 16 (2015 Iowa Code). The data summarized in this report provides an overview of the obstetrical workforce and maternity unit closures in Iowa for calendar years 2015 through 2019.
Barriers to Prenatal Care
The findings in this summary are based on the Iowa Barriers to Prenatal Care project. Ongoing since 1991, the purpose of this project is to obtain brief, accurate information about women delivering babies in Iowa hospitals.
Specifically, the project seeks to learn about women’s experiences getting prenatal or delivery care during their current pregnancy. Other information is included which may be pertinent to health planners or those concerned with the systematic development of health care services.
This project is a cooperative venture of all of Iowa’s maternity hospitals, the University of Northern Iowa Center for Social and Behavioral Research, and the Iowa Department of Public Health, and is directed by Dr. Mary Losch, University of Northern Iowa Center for Social and Behavioral Research.
How Data is Gathered
The questionnaire is distributed to over sixty birthing hospitals across the state of Iowa. Nursing staff or those responsible for obtaining birth certificate information in the obstetrics unit are responsible for approaching all birthing mothers prior to dismissal to request their participation in the study.
Questions & Data Requests
Questions concerning this project or additional data requests may be addressed to:
Mary Losch, Ph.D.
Director, Center for Social & Behavioral Research, University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0402
Phone: (319) 273-2105
Fax: (319) 273-3104
Rodney Muilenburg, B.A.
Associate Field Supervisor, Center for Social & Behavioral Research, University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0402
Phone: (319) 273-2105
Fax: (319) 273-3104
Recommended Citation: Losch, M.E., Muilenburg, R., & Strong,S. (2015). Iowa Barriers to Prenatal Care Project. Iowa Department of Public Health, University of Northern Iowa Center for Social and Behavioral Research: 2014 Data Summary.