In 2019, I experienced a miracle of sorts. After more than a decade of coping with irregular menstrual cycles and infertility caused by Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), I learned that I was pregnant. At the age of 33, I found myself navigating a major life milestone that I didn’t think I would ever get to experience. When I saw the faint lines indicating a positive on my home pregnancy test, I was hesitant to believe it could be true. A visit to Open Door’s wellness center confirmed the pregnancy, so I went ahead and scheduled my first trimester appointments for prenatal care at the Sutter Clinic — the only obstetrics practice in Del Norte County.

I was nervous about receiving prenatal care through Sutter. I had heard numerous horror stories from friends and relatives who had experienced labor and delivery at Crescent City’s Sutter Coast Hospital. Locals living in a rural county know that finding quality medical care is a huge challenge. Sutter was the only game in town, so we decided to give them a chance. 

Continue reading OPINION: Limited Choice in Rural Reproductive Care Sheds Light on Systemic Moral Hazards →