PA Hospital Ends Labor & Delivery | Becker’s Hospital Review

Warren General Hospital Ends Labor and delivery Services Amidst OB-GYN Shortage

The closure of Warren General HospitalS inpatient labor and delivery unit, effective January 13, underscores a growing crisis in maternity care access across the United States.The hospital’s decision, announced on January 5, stems from a critical OB-GYN shortage and the unexpected departure of a key physician, leaving the facility unable to safely staff a 24/7 labor and delivery unit.

A Sudden Staffing Crisis

Warren General Hospital was operating with a team of two OB-GYN specialists when, on December 29, one physician informed hospital leadership they would no longer be available for deliveries. Despite an intensive recruitment campaign – reaching out to 28 residency programs, engaging 10 search firms, and seeking support from legislative officials – the hospital was unable to secure a replacement.

“Despite our exhaustive efforts and the support of our legislative leaders, the national shortage of OB-GYN specialists has made it impractical to secure the staffing levels required to safely maintain a 24/7 labor and delivery unit,” a senior official stated in a press release.

Did you know? – The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) estimates the U.S. will face a shortage of over 6,000 OB-GYNs by 2030, impacting access to care, especially in rural areas.

Declining Birth rates and a National Trend

The closure comes as warren General has experienced a notable decline in births over the past two decades, falling from approximately 400 deliveries annually to just 175. this trend mirrors a broader national pattern of declining birth rates and increasing challenges for rural hospitals to maintain complete maternity services.The situation is especially acute in Pennsylvania and surrounding states.

The hospital will continue to provide outpatient women’s health services, including prenatal, postpartum, and gynecologic care, staffed by its remaining physician and advanced practise providers. However, expectant mothers seeking inpatient delivery services will now need to travel to alternative facilities.

Pro tip – Expectant parents should discuss delivery plans with their OB-GYN well in advance, especially if living in areas with limited hospital options, and pre-register at alternative facilities.

Limited Options for Expectant Mothers

warren General Hospital is directing patients to three alternative hospitals for delivery: UPMC Chautauqua (20 miles away in Jamestown, New York), AHN St. Vincent (62 miles in Erie, Pennsylvania), and UPMC Hamot Magee-womens Hospital (67 miles in Erie, Pennsylvania). These increased travel distances pose significant challenges for patients, particularly those with limited transportation options or facing complications during pregnancy.

This closure is not an isolated incident. According to a recent report by Becker’s Hospital Review, more than two dozen hospitals across the contry are ending maternity care services in 2025, signaling a deepening crisis in access to essential healthcare for families. .

The situation at Warren General Hospital serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the OB-GYN shortage and ensure equitable access to maternity care for all Americans.

Reader question – What steps can communities take to support local hospitals and ensure continued access to maternity care services? Share your thoughts.