‘It isn’t sustainable.’ Casper, Wyoming, OB-GYN weathers maternity care shortage
Summary
Wyoming is facing a shortage of obstetricians and gynecologists (OB-GYNs), particularly in Casper, the state’s second-largest city. The number of OB-GYNs there has dropped from six to two, making work schedules very demanding and causing delays in non-urgent care like annual exams. This shortage reflects wider problems in Wyoming’s maternity care system, worsened by hospital closures and workforce challenges.Key Facts
- Casper, Wyoming, had six OB-GYNs but now only has two serving around 80,000 people.
- The two remaining OB-GYNs cover emergency room calls nearly every other day.
- Non-urgent services such as annual exams are often delayed due to emergency care demands.
- Four Wyoming hospitals have closed labor and delivery units since 2022, leaving 16 birthing hospitals statewide.
- Wyoming’s rural setting makes it harder to recruit OB-GYNs and maintain delivery services.
- Nearly 150 rural U.S. labor and delivery units have closed or plan to close since 2020.
- More than 35% of U.S. counties are considered “maternity care deserts,” areas with little or no access to maternity care.
- Despite legislative attention, Wyoming’s maternity care shortages remain a serious concern.
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