The report warned that insufficient health education leaves families without critical information and that health care providers frequently undermine pregnant women’s autonomy. The report said 34 percent of Alabama counties are classified as maternal health care deserts. “The roots of this crisis reflect the decades of inequities in health care access and quality,” the report said. “Contributing factors include limited maternity leave, inadequate postpartum care, delayed recognition and treatment of pregnancy-related complications, and the persistence of maternal health care deserts.” The ACLU offered policy recommendations for the Alabama Legislature, health care providers and hospital administrators to address the state’s maternal health crisis.