Quebec Family Forced to Prepare for Home Birth After Birthing Center Closure
Table of Contents
The unexpected closure of the Saint-Romuald birthing center in Lévis, Quebec, has left one family scrambling to adjust their plans for the arrival of their fourth child. The facility’s shutdown, reported on January 6, 2026, highlights growing concerns about access to birthing options within the province.
The situation underscores a broader issue: several other birth center projects are currently stalled across Quebec, fueling calls for swift action from provincial health officials.
One expectant father, Benjamin Hasty, explained that the sudden change necessitated a significant alteration to his family’s living space. “We closed off the children’s playroom for the holidays and set up a bedroom with a bed,” he said, detailing the rapid transformation required to accommodate a home birth.
Impact of the Saint-Romuald Closure
The Saint-Romuald birthing center had become a vital resource for families seeking a more personalized and less interventionist birthing experience. Its closure represents a loss of capacity within the Quebec healthcare system and raises questions about the future of midwifery care in the region.
The decision to close the center has sparked widespread dismay, particularly among those who had planned to deliver there. The Hasty family’s experience is emblematic of the disruption caused by the unexpected shutdown.
Calls for Solutions and Future Projects
Advocates for accessible birthing options are urging the Quebec government to address the current challenges and expedite the approval of pending birth center projects. The delay in these projects is exacerbating the strain on existing facilities and limiting choices for expectant parents.
The situation demands a comprehensive review of birthing infrastructure and a commitment to ensuring that all Quebec families have access to safe and supportive birthing environments.
See the story unfold in this video.
The closure of the Saint-Romuald birthing center serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of community-based healthcare resources and the urgent need for proactive planning and investment in maternal care.
