Fifty-Two Maternity Wards Closed Since July 2025
Federal policy changes have prompted hospital closures that may impact your birth plan and access to local prenatal care.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Pregnancy
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Since the announcement of the HR1 bill in July 2025, 52 maternity wards have closed across the United States. Eight additional hospitals have announced upcoming closures, potentially leaving expectant families with fewer options for labor and delivery.
Why it matters
Hospitals are struggling with financial deficits driven by a 1 trillion dollar reduction in Medicaid funding and new federal policy changes. With 40% of U.S. births covered by Medicaid, these closures create significant gaps in essential healthcare infrastructure.
Since July 2025, 52 maternity wards have shuttered, with eight more closures announced. March of Dimes has identified 31 rural hospitals as at-risk, signaling that 96 counties could soon lose access to local maternity services.
The players
March of Dimes
A national nonprofit organization that tracks maternal health data and advocates for improved pregnancy and infant care outcomes.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The federal public health agency responsible for tracking health statistics like the national maternal mortality rate.
Centra Southside Community
A community hospital in Virginia that has shuttered its maternity ward due to systemic financial pressures.
St Mary's Sacred Heart
A medical facility in Georgia that closed its maternity unit amidst widespread hospital industry funding changes.
The details
Hospitals are citing the HR1 bill and upcoming Medicaid work requirements as reasons for reducing service lines. Because maternity wards are expensive to operate and face high financial strain, many facilities are choosing to close these departments to stabilize overall budget deficits. This trend reflects a broader shift toward reduced federal funding for reproductive health, which disproportionately affects hospitals relying on Medicaid reimbursements.
Timeline
Early 2025: CDC pregnancy surveillance team placed on administrative leave.
July 2025: HR1 bill announced, marking the start of the current trend.
October 2026: Date of reporting.
New year 2027: HR1 bill fully comes into effect.
The Home Front
The recent closures follow a pattern of diminishing access to specialty care driven by federal funding changes. This development marks a significant departure from historical standards of regional care accessibility for expectant parents.
Expectant parents should verify their hospital's current status and confirm whether their specific insurance and Medicaid eligibility remain accepted for maternity services. Review your local options and ensure your birthing plan includes a backup facility in the event of further ward closures.
The takeaway
The widespread reduction in maternity services highlights the importance of proactively monitoring local healthcare access. Families should confirm with their primary obstetric provider which hospitals will remain open throughout the upcoming year to avoid potential disruptions to their birth plans.
Further reading
For more on navigating your care options, see our Pregnancy section.
Live Poll
Do you trust the government's recent Medicaid policy changes to protect access to maternity care?
