Demand For Care is a film about maternity care deserts and the women left to fend for themselves when they don’t have access to obstetric care nearby, making their pregnancies unsafe. It shows how they are forced to travel far distances for basic medical care in the U.S. It’s a story about women persevering through it all. Viewers are taken on a journey with three mothers and the obstacles they encounter while trying to get obstetric care. Mothers from rural, urban and areas just outside the suburbs are featured.
The topic of maternity care deserts is of particular urgency after the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision. When Roe fell, more closures and limitations to maternity care began. These clinics are closed predominantly in areas where people of low socioeconomic status, black and brown people reside. The film takes us on a journey from the original causes of the crisis, to the current state of emergency many women face. The film features personal emotional stories and shocking statistics about the crisis.
In addition to mothers, the film includes interviews with: Doctors, doulas and reproductive justice advocates. Solutions to the problem, such as birthing centers and mobile health units are introduced, as well as how citizens can help.
Watch my sizzle reel film about maternity care deserts at: