Kentucky finds itself among the lowest-performing states for women’s health, exacerbated by recent policy shifts and healthcare access challenges, according to the Commonwealth Fund’s 2024 State Scorecard on Women’s Health and Reproductive Care.
Released recently, the scorecard provides a comprehensive ranking based on health outcomes, insurance coverage, and access to reproductive services across states and Washington D.C. Kentucky’s performance reveals stark disparities compared to national averages. In 2022, the state had fewer maternity care providers per 100,000 women aged 15–44 than the national average, and women were less likely to have routine medical checkups.
Dr. Joseph Betancourt, president of the Commonwealth Fund, underscored the fragile state of women’s health in the U.S., citing significant disparities across racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic lines exacerbated by recent policy decisions limiting access to reproductive care.
The report highlights Kentucky’s higher-than-average rates of maternal deaths and infant mortality, along with elevated all-cause mortality among women aged 15-44. Causes include suicide, cancer, and complications from pregnancy, reflecting broader challenges in healthcare access and quality.
Despite these challenges, Kentucky performs comparatively well in some healthcare metrics, such as lower rates of uninsured women and higher rates of having a designated healthcare provider among younger demographics.
However, gaps persist, including incomplete data on postpartum depression screening and intimate partner violence, which are critical indicators of women’s health and safety.
Dr. Laurie C. Zephyrin, senior vice president for advancing health equity at The Commonwealth Fund, expressed concern over widening disparities in women’s health across the nation. She emphasized the importance of federal and state policymakers ensuring equitable access to comprehensive healthcare for all women, especially those facing financial and structural barriers.
As Kentucky navigates these challenges, ongoing monitoring and policy interventions will be crucial to improving women’s health outcomes and narrowing disparities in access and care quality statewide.
The Commonwealth Fund, established in 1918, advocates for a high-performing healthcare system that prioritizes equitable access and improved outcomes, particularly for marginalized communities.
This report serves as a critical tool for policymakers and advocates striving to address gaps in women’s health and reproductive care nationwide.
