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By increasing Medicaid payments to doctors who deliver babies, Gov. Mark Warner has taken an important first step on the long road to improving access to obstetrical care in Virginia.

Warner's emergency order last week marks the first major boost to Medicaid rates in more than 10 years. Under the governor's 34 percent increase, which takes effect Sept. 1, Medicaid will pay doctors $1,502 for a normal delivery and $1,702 for a Caesarean section. The governor's decision is a welcome gesture, but only a short-term fix.

Between rising insurance premiums and stagnant Medicaid payments, many obstetricians say they cannot afford to continue delivering babies. Others already have left the practice, creating a critical shortage of doctors providing care for low-income patients.

The shortage has been keenly felt in rural areas, which struggle to recruit and retain physicians and where more patients rely on Medicaid coverage.

Five rural hospitals - including four in western Virginia - have shut down their birthing units because of the doctor shortage or inadequate revenues.

To his credit, Warner promised to recommend additional reforms later this year. But he alone cannot fix health care in Virginia. The General Assembly should ensure greater access to a quality health care network for state residents.

Obstetric care should concern all Virginians, who will share the economic and social costs of caring for children born with complications should their mothers lack adequate prenatal care.

Warner implemented the increase as a result of recommendations from a task force on rural obstetrical care. In so doing, he has taken a necessary step toward reforming health care in Virginia.

Now the onus is on the General Assembly to join him in reinforcing the foundation for a healthier Virginia.