U.S. Hospitals Closed 52 Maternity Wards Since 2025
Expectant parents face reduced access to local delivery services as federal Medicaid funding shifts impact hospital viability.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Pregnancy
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Between July 2025 and October 2026, hospitals across the United States closed 52 maternity wards, with eight additional facilities announcing upcoming closures. These shutdowns coincide with significant federal policy changes affecting Medicaid, which currently covers approximately 40% of births nationwide.
Why it matters
The closures are driven by financial strain following federal Medicaid funding reductions, forcing hospitals to cut expensive-to-run units. As access to local care vanishes, patients may face longer travel times for labor and delivery services in the coming year.
A national review shows 52 maternity wards closed since July 2025, alongside 31 rural hospitals identified by March of Dimes as currently at risk of closure. It remains unclear how many additional counties will lose services once the HR1 bill fully takes effect.
The players
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The nation's public health agency responsible for monitoring maternal mortality trends through pregnancy risk assessment systems.
March of Dimes
A nonprofit organization that advocates for maternal and infant health and tracks rural hospital capacity.
The details
Maternity wards are capital-intensive to operate, requiring 24/7 staffing and specialized equipment for unpredictable labor events. When federal Medicaid funding is reduced and eligibility requirements tighten, hospitals in lower-income or rural areas often struggle to cover the fixed costs of maintaining these units. This financial instability forces administrators to shutter labor and delivery departments to preserve the viability of the rest of the medical center.
Timeline
Early 2025: CDC pregnancy surveillance team was placed on administrative leave.
July 2025: The HR1 bill was announced, triggering subsequent hospital closures.
October 2026: The current reporting period for these facility closures.
New year 2027: The HR1 bill will fully come into effect.
Health Landscape
These closures are a direct response to the financial constraints introduced by the HR1 bill, which fundamentally reshapes hospital reimbursement models. This trend deviates from historical efforts to expand maternal health access, particularly in regions serving populations that rely on Medicaid.
If you are pregnant, confirm early in your prenatal care which hospital you plan to use and whether its labor and delivery unit is secure through your due date. Discuss alternative delivery locations or specialized transport plans with your obstetrician if your local hospital has announced a closure.
The takeaway
The U.S. maternal mortality rate stands at 17.9 deaths per 100,000 live births, a metric that may be further challenged by diminishing access to local obstetrical care. Maintain a consistent dialogue with your healthcare provider to map out your delivery plan and identify the nearest emergency facilities.
Further reading
Learn more about navigating Pregnancy care options during changing regional resource availability.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Guardian.
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