Virginia Ranked 21st Worst State for the Toll of Giving Birth, New Study Finds

A new national analysis has ranked Virginia as the 21st worst state in the country for the overall burden of giving birth, highlighting concerns about rising costs, limited maternity leave protections, and maternal health outcomes.

The research, conducted by health insurance comparison site iSelect, evaluated states based on three key factors: the average cost of childbirth, employer-paid maternity leave obligations, and maternal mortality rates. Lower scores indicate a greater overall burden for parents.

Virginia received a score of 43.33 out of 100, placing it in the lower half of states when it comes to affordability and health outcomes for new mothers.

Key Findings for Virginia

• Average cost of birth: $21,217
• Employer obligation to provide paid maternity leave: Voluntary
• Maternal mortality rate: 33 deaths per 100,000 births
• Overall score: 43.33 out of 100

According to the study, Virginia’s relatively high childbirth costs combined with the absence of mandated paid maternity leave contribute significantly to the state’s ranking. Unlike some states that require paid family leave programs, Virginia employers are not required to provide paid maternity leave, leaving many families to rely on unpaid leave or employer-specific benefits.

Maternal health outcomes also played a role in the ranking. Virginia’s maternal mortality rate of 33 deaths per 100,000 births reflects ongoing national concerns about maternal health, particularly in rural and underserved areas where access to obstetric care may be limited.

Growing National Concerns

The iSelect index examined how financially and medically challenging it is to have a baby across the United States, using birth costs, maternity leave policies, and maternal mortality data to calculate overall scores. States with lower scores were determined to place a heavier burden on parents.

Across the country, rising hospital costs, limited parental leave protections, and disparities in maternal healthcare access continue to drive concern among policymakers and healthcare professionals.

Impact on Families

For Virginia families, the findings highlight the financial and health considerations associated with starting or growing a family. With childbirth costs exceeding $21,000 on average, many families face significant out-of-pocket expenses even with insurance coverage.

The voluntary nature of paid maternity leave also means access to paid time off varies widely depending on employer size, industry, and individual company policies.

Healthcare advocates say improving maternal health outcomes and expanding family leave options could help reduce the burden on families and improve overall rankings in future studies.

More information about the study and its methodology is available at:
https://www.iselect.com.au/health-insurance/insights/global-toll-of-giving-birth

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Wayne Creed

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