A newly released state-by-state scorecard on women’s health by the Commonwealth Fund has placed North Carolina 33rd, highlighting concerns about the quality of care women receive and the broader impacts of recent judicial decisions affecting reproductive rights.
The “2024 State Scorecard on Women’s Health and Reproductive Care,” based on 32 health system measures, assesses how state policies influence women’s access to healthcare. Dr. Joseph Betancourt, president of the Commonwealth Fund, emphasized the precarious state of women’s health, noting significant disparities across racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic lines exacerbated by recent policy choices.
North Carolina’s performance revealed above-average rates of maternal deaths during pregnancy and infant mortality compared to national averages. Additionally, 18% of women aged 18-64 reported fair or poor health, and more than one in five women reported experiencing 14 or more poor mental health days in the past month.
Despite these challenges, North Carolina excelled in ensuring women were up to date on colon cancer screenings, which are crucial for preventing and treating breast and cervical cancers.
The scorecard also highlighted disparities affecting Black women, who experience higher breast cancer mortality rates due to factors such as delayed care and advanced stage diagnoses. The report underscored that deaths among reproductive-aged women are highest in southeastern states, attributable to pregnancy-related complications, substance use, COVID-19, and treatable chronic conditions.
Regarding healthcare access, North Carolina expanded Medicaid coverage in late 2023, benefiting over 500,000 residents within the first seven months. However, approximately 800,000 women remain uninsured across states that have not expanded Medicaid eligibility.
Furthermore, the report flagged concerns about maternity care access in rural areas, where shortages of obstetric providers create barriers to comprehensive prenatal and postnatal care.
The impact of abortion restrictions was also noted, with states imposing tighter regulations ranking lower in healthcare provider availability measures. Following North Carolina’s enactment of a 12-week abortion ban in 2023, discussions suggest a potential move towards a six-week ban in 2025.
Looking ahead, the outcome of the 2024 presidential election could significantly influence women’s health access, particularly concerning the Affordable Care Act’s provisions ensuring coverage for maternity care and prohibiting insurers from charging higher premiums based on gender.
In conclusion, while some states champion continued access to essential health and reproductive services, others face challenges ensuring affordable and accessible healthcare, disproportionately affecting women of color and those with low incomes.
The scorecard’s findings urge ongoing policy efforts to address these disparities and ensure equitable healthcare access for all women nationwide.
