Mississippi Faces Lack of Birth Centers

Mississippi remains one of 10 states without any birth centers for low-risk pregnancies.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Pregnancy

Live Poll

Should states relax regulations on birth centers to increase access to maternal care?

Mississippi is one of 10 states currently lacking any freestanding birth centers, despite a significant growth in this care model nationwide. The state also struggles with a low ratio of fewer than 20 midwives for every 10,000 births.

Why it matters

Financial barriers created by mandatory physician collaboration agreements continue to discourage midwives from practicing in the state. These restrictions persist even as health officials seek solutions to address rising infant mortality rates.

Mississippi is among 10 states with no birth centers, contrasting with states like Texas which host 90. Regulations currently require any such facilities to be located within 30 minutes of a hospital.

The players

American College of Nurse Midwives

This professional association represents the interests of certified nurse-midwives and certified midwives across the United States.

The details

Nearly half of the counties in Mississippi are classified as maternity care deserts, limiting options for expectant parents. Mandatory fees for physician collaboration remain a primary hurdle preventing the expansion of midwife-led care.

From 2004 to 2024, the birth center model grew significantly across the U.S.
In 2025, Mississippi officials declared a public health emergency over rising infant deaths.
During February 2026, state lawmakers failed to pass legislation regarding midwifery.
The American College of Nurse Midwives sued Mississippi in 2026.
A Commonwealth Fund report regarding birth centers was released in October 2026.

Culture Shift

This situation follows a pattern set by the Commonwealth Fund birth center report regarding state-level regulatory barriers. The absence of these facilities reflects a broader tension between traditional obstetric standards and the growing national preference for midwife-led care.

Expectant parents in the state may find fewer options for low-risk birth settings due to the absence of these centers. Residents living in maternity care deserts may face longer travel times to access specialized prenatal and delivery services.

The takeaway

The lack of birth centers and low midwife-to-birth ratios highlights significant gaps in the state's maternity care landscape. Families should proactively research available clinical options early in their pregnancy to account for these regional service shortages.