Herkimer County women currently receive obstetrics and gynecology services mainly at Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare and at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital. the figure below shows the distribution of services by site of the provider. Please note that this distribution is not specific to obstetrical care, but also includes gynecology services.
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Among the main findings of the report were:
- Access to prenatal services provided in Herkimer County has eroded to the point of almost being eliminated over the past decade. Little Falls Hospital closed its obstetrics service; Mohawk Hudson Planned Parenthood closed its office; the County Health Department closed the Prenatal Clinic; prenatalsupport services were decreased; and other providers decreased hours or limited service delivery in Herkimer County.
- The birth rates in Herkimer County have been gradually decreasing between 2003 and 2012 with a difference of about 50 live births per year over the 10-year span.
- One in every ten pregnancies in Herkimer County is a teenage pregnancy.Teen behaviors with regards to sexual behavior and condom/birth control use are conducive to increasing this trend.
- Infant mortality rates are higher in Herkimer County than in New York State and New York State excluding New York City. There appears to be an increase in infant mortality beginning in 2008.
- Maternal mortality rates in New York State are among the highest in the country. Although the numbers are small for Herkimer County, and therefore unstable, the maternal mortality rates are concerning.
- Pregnant women in Herkimer County receive late or no prenatal care at higher percentages than both the New York State average and that of the State excluding New York City.
- There are race/ethnicity disparities in New York State and in Herkimer County regarding early prenatal care.
