MIAMI, July 7, 2025
Maternity Ward Closures Rise
Hospitals face tough choices.
- Financial strain and workforce shortages are major factors.
- Rural hospitals are disproportionately affected.
- Declining birth rates add to the pressure.
- Some hospitals are pausing or transferring maternity services.
The closure of maternity services is increasing as financial challenges, workforce shortages, and declining birth rates impact hospitals.
Why are hospitals closing maternity wards? The shuttering of maternity wards is linked to financial strain, staffing shortages, and declining birth rates, creating unsustainable conditions for some healthcare facilities.
Financial Pressures Mount
Hospitals across the U.S. are grappling with tough financial realities. As costs rise and revenue streams become less predictable, some services, like maternity care, are facing the chopping block.
This is especially true for smaller, rural hospitals. A recent report from the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform reveals that less than 42% of rural hospitals still offer labor and delivery services. Since 2020, over 100 rural hospitals have already stopped or are planning to halt delivering babies.
Closures Across the Nation
Several hospitals have already made the difficult decision to end maternity care in 2025.
- Jackson South Medical Center, a part of Jackson Health System in Miami, is set to shutter its maternity ward this fall.
- Copley Hospital, based in Morristownville, Vt., is planning to close its birthing center.
Workforce Woes
It’s not just about the money. Hospitals are struggling to find and retain qualified staff, especially nurses and obstetricians. This shortage puts immense pressure on existing teams and can compromise the quality of care.
Birth Rate Blues
Adding to the financial and staffing challenges is the undeniable trend of declining birth rates. With fewer babies being born, the demand for maternity services is decreasing, making it harder for hospitals to justify keeping these units open.
