The challenge of care for the poor and underserved in the United States. An American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists perspective on access to care for underserved women

Access to pregnancy-related care for women and their infants and to reproductive health services for adolescents are significant concerns to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Adolescent and young adult women are among those most likely to be uninsured and lack access to health care services. Adolescent pregnancy, low-birth weight, and infant mortality remain major national burdens. The ACOG has taken the position that quality health care should be accessible to all women. The ACOG recommendations regarding health services for adolescents and the ACOG Committee on Health Care for Underserved Women's statement of principles regarding universal access for pregnancy-related care, which includes the basic scope of benefits, the characteristics of the providers, and the organization of services are described.