Nevada ranks 47th out of 50 states and the District of Columbia in women’s health and reproductive care, according to a recent analysis by The Commonwealth Fund. The findings underscore significant challenges in healthcare access and outcomes for women in the Silver State.
Released Thursday, The Commonwealth Fund’s 2024 State Scorecard on Women’s Health and Reproductive Care evaluates states based on 32 indicators, including abortion access, maternity care providers, and healthcare quality. Nevada’s ranking places it among the bottom states alongside Mississippi, Texas, and Oklahoma, which all have comprehensive abortion bans.
Unlike top-performing states such as Massachusetts, Vermont, and Rhode Island, where abortion remains legal and protected, Nevada stands out for its lower rate of maternity care providers despite its legal protections for abortion rights and supportive legislative measures for healthcare providers.
The report highlights Nevada’s challenges beyond abortion access, including low rates of women up-to-date on colon cancer screenings and mammograms. It also notes concerning rates of syphilis among women aged 15-44 and challenges in accessing affordable healthcare, with a significant percentage of women reporting cost as a barrier to medical care.
Despite these challenges, The Commonwealth Fund identified some positive aspects for Nevada, such as a high rate of HIV/AIDS testing among women aged 18-64. However, overall healthcare disparities persist, impacting women’s health outcomes and access to essential services across the state.
The analysis underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve healthcare access, affordability, and quality for women in Nevada, ensuring equitable health outcomes and addressing systemic barriers that hinder reproductive and general healthcare access.
As policymakers and advocates work to address these disparities, the report serves as a critical tool for understanding the complex landscape of women’s health and reproductive care, advocating for comprehensive reforms to enhance healthcare equity and support for all women in Nevada and beyond.
