Kentucky doesn’t often appear near the top of national healthcare rankings, but a new study has placed the state fourth in the country for maternity care.
Kentucky ranks among the best for maternity care
According to research from FHV Legal, Kentucky earned a score of 78.25, ranking fourth overall behind Utah, Maine and North Carolina.
The ranking means Kentucky outperformed 43 other states — a notable achievement for the state.
Support for moms plays a key role
One major factor is access to care. The study found that 7.35 hospitals per million residents in Kentucky offer lactation consultation, while 6.48 provide doula support.
These numbers reflect the availability of help for new mothers, especially in the critical period after childbirth.
More birth options available
The report also highlights greater flexibility in childbirth options. In Kentucky, 5.62 hospitals per million offer VBAC, and 4.54 have midwives available.
This gives mothers more choices when planning their delivery.
The bigger picture behind the ranking
Daniel Harwin said quality maternity care goes beyond delivery itself.
“High-quality maternity care is about safe delivery and providing families with a comprehensive support system,” he said. “When a state invests in a diverse range of services, from midwifery to specialized lactation support, it creates a safer, more empowered environment for mothers and newborns alike.”
How the study was conducted
Researchers evaluated six factors across 47 states, including C-section rates for low-risk births and the availability of services such as lactation support, doulas, VBAC, postpartum tubal ligation and midwives.
The data came from the 2025 Leapfrog Hospital Survey, based on hospital reports from 2024. States without complete data, including North Dakota, South Dakota and Vermont, were excluded.
What it means for Kentucky families
While the ranking highlights strong performance, access to care can still vary depending on location, particularly in rural areas.
However, the findings show that many families in Kentucky have more support and options than expected — something that can make a meaningful difference during childbirth.
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