KENTUCKY —  On this week’s “In Focus Kentcky” program, we’re discussing maternal health care in the United States, which according to many health experts, is facing a growing crisis of access, particularly in maternity care deserts—which are considered areas with limited or no access to hospitals or birthing centers.

According to the American Journal of Managed Care (AMJC), the United States has the highest infant and maternal mortality rates out of any other high-income country and simultaneously spends the most on health care. Also, out of all countries in 2020, the U.S. had the highest infant mortality rate at 5.4 deaths per 1000 live births. That is markedly higher than the 1.6 deaths per 1000 live births in Norway, which has the lowest mortality rate.

State Rep. Kim Moser, R-Taylor Mill of northern Kentucky, joined this segment to discuss her work during the 2025 legislative session in Frankfort as chair of the state house Health and Family Services Committee. Along with several legislative items related to health care that Rep. Moser sponsored during this year’s session, she also shared her efforts navigating mental health and public policy, while keeping motherhood in mind.

You can watch the full In Focus Kentucky segment in the player above.