Katie Chubb knows firsthand how tough it is to find a birth center when you need one—she had to go without during her own pregnancy. Now, she’s determined to open one in her community, which lacks accessible maternity care. While locals are backing her, hospitals aren’t making it easy, throwing up roadblocks that highlight the challenges of filling gaps in healthcare.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about one woman’s struggle—it’s a snapshot of a bigger problem. "Maternity deserts" (areas with little to no maternal care) are growing, leaving families with few options. Chubb’s fight shows how hard it is to fix systemic gaps, even when there’s clear demand. If grassroots efforts like hers keep hitting walls, who’s stepping up to help?