Esther Patterson is with BirthNet, an organization that works to eliminate health inequities for pregnant people. At a rally on June 20, 2023, Patterson called the proposed closure of Burdett Birth Center “a slap in the face to all of our Black and brown birthing families and all of the families that live in rural communities.” (Photo by Morgan Casey/News21)

Hospitals have been cutting maternity services and closing doors across the country for decades, creating health care deserts. The family-planning policies in Catholic hospitals exacerbate service gaps.

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