Ohio Women’s Health Care: Below Average in the Nation

Overview of Ohio’s Women’s Health Care

A recent study found that Ohio’s health care system for women is “worse than average” compared to other states. The state ranked 29th overall in the 2024 “State Scorecard on Women’s Health and Reproductive Care” by the Commonwealth Fund.


Key Findings of the Study

The study used 32 measures of access, quality, and health outcomes. Nationally, deaths from preventable causes are rising, with stark racial differences in maternal mortality and deaths from breast and cervical cancers. Despite a slight improvement in women’s life expectancy in 2022, it remains at its lowest since 2006.

Impact of Policy Decisions

The study highlighted that state policy choices and judicial decisions limit women’s access to health services and reproductive care. The U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade has significantly impacted women’s health care access, especially in Ohio.

Abortion Laws in Ohio

Following the Supreme Court decision, Ohio’s Attorney General attempted to reinstate a six-week abortion ban. This law was temporarily enforced but later paused by a Hamilton County judge. In response, a constitutional amendment protecting reproductive rights was approved by Ohio voters, leading to ongoing legal battles.

Breakdown of Ohio’s Rankings

  • Health and Reproductive Care Outcomes: Ohio ranked 35th. This includes maternal and all-cause women’s mortality, infant mortality, and physical and mental health status. Maternal deaths in Ohio were 28.4 per 100,000 live births, higher than the U.S. average of 26.3.
  • Insurance Coverage and Accessibility: Ohio ranked 29th. The state performed better in the rate of uninsured women and the availability of maternity care providers.
  • Health Care Quality and Prevention: Ohio ranked 30th, considering pre-and postpartum care, mental health screenings, preventive care, and low-risk cesarean birth rates.

Areas of Concern

The study highlighted significant concerns in Ohio, including high rates of self-pay in-hospital births, poor mental health for women aged 18 to 64, and high infant mortality rates. Ohio’s infant mortality rate was 7.1 per 1,000 live births, ranking it 44th in the country.

Positive Aspects

Ohio performed better in the rate of uninsured women aged 19 to 64, with only 6% lacking health insurance compared to the national average of 10%. The state also showed improvements in routine checkups for women aged 18 to 44.


Ohio’s health care system for women faces significant challenges. Policy changes and increased focus on reproductive and preventive care are crucial to improving women’s health outcomes in the state.


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