News Health & Medicine

U.S. hospitals continue to shut down labor and delivery services

The loss of hospital-based obstetric services can harm maternal and infant health

A couple has arrived to stay at their relative's home. The woman is pregnant. They have two suitcases and a duffle bag.

The closure of the only hospital-based obstetric unit in Baker City, Ore., in 2023 led this couple to travel for labor and delivery services. Over time, more hospitals have been shutting down these services, with rural areas bearing the brunt of the losses.

Kyle Green/AP Photo

By Aimee Cunningham

More and more, people giving birth can’t count on their closest hospital having the specialized health care they need.