Key findings
1. Delays in care are common.
More than one in five people who received maternal healthcare said they delayed care at least once. The most common reasons were trouble getting an appointment and cost.
2. People want easier access.
Many said delays could have been avoided if telehealth were available and if they could schedule an appointment without a referral or insurance pre-approval.
3. Top education needs are postpartum care and mental health.
People most wanted information on postpartum care, mental health, and breastfeeding/chest feeding.
4. A provider-backed digital resource could help.
More than half said a provider-endorsed mobile app or website would be helpful for navigating maternal health needs.
About the survey
To support the development of the Commonwealth’s Maternal Health Strategic Plan, DHS held 15 maternal health conversations across Pennsylvania. At each event, DHS invited participants to complete a survey about their experiences with maternal healthcare. Dozens of stakeholders and advocates also made the survey available to their mailing lists via emails and newsletters. The survey covered access to care, barriers to care, and education needs.
A total of 727 people responded, including:
Who responded
Respondents identified as
- White (78%)
- Black (15%)
- Asian (2.5%)
- Indian or Alaskan Native (0.5%)
- Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander (0.5%)
- Hispanic/Latino (6%)
PA’s population is about
- White (73%)
- Black (12%)
- Asian (4.5%)
- American Indian or Alaskan Native (0.5%)
- Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander (0.1%)
- Hispanic/Latino (9.4%).
About one third of pregnant or recently pregnant respondents reported having Medicaid coverage. Statewide, about 35% of births were covered by Medicaid in 2024.
What we heard
Many people delayed care.
Among people who needed maternal health care, about 22% of respondents—more than one in five—said they delayed care at least once.
The biggest barriers were getting an appointment and paying for care.
Among those who delayed care, the most common reasons were:
- Could not get an appointment (50%)
- Could not miss work or school (30%)
- Could not afford care (24%)
Source: Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Maternal Health Survey, 2024
Figure 1: This graph includes 131 respondents who had delayed maternal healthcare and were either currently or recently pregnant or a person who had ever received maternal healthcare services in the past. Respondents could select more than one option.
People suggested clear ways to improve access. Many respondents said they might not have delayed care if:
- they could schedule without a referral or insurance pre-approval (48%)
- telehealth was available (37%)
People also said walk-in appointments and more convenient care locations, like in-home services or community-based sites, could help.
Source: Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Maternal Health Survey, 2024
Figure 2: This graph includes 123 respondents who had delayed maternal healthcare and were either currently or recently pregnant or a person who had ever received maternal healthcare services in the past. Respondents could select more than one option.
Respondents said the most important education topics were
- postpartum care (57%)
- mental health (54%)
- breastfeeding/chest feeding (37%)
Most people said they prefer to get this information from a maternal healthcare provider (75%; not shown).
Many also said a website or mobile app would be helpful, especially if it is recommended by a provider (60% for provider-endorsed vs 27% recommended by friends/family).
Source: Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Maternal Health Survey, 2024
Figure 3: This graph includes 712 respondents who were either currently or recently pregnant, a person who had ever received maternal healthcare services in the past, or a partner, family member or caregiver of a person who receives maternal healthcare services. Respondents could select more than one option.