In recent years, birth centers across our region have experienced a continued rise in demand. Families are seeking culturally responsive, relationship-centered care outside of hospital settings, yet financial barriers, systemic inequities, and limited capacity still prevent many from accessing the care they desire.

Black, Indigenous, and other people of color continue to face disproportionate risks in hospital-based maternity care. According to the CDC and American Medical Association, Black women are 3–6 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. These realities have led many families to seek birth center care, where outcomes, autonomy, and continuity of care are often stronger, but affordability remains a challenge.