US maternity wards face wave of closures as Medicaid cuts kick in
Summary
Many maternity wards in the US are closing due to cuts in Medicaid funding caused by the HR1 bill, which introduces stricter work and eligibility rules for Medicaid recipients. Experts warn these changes will reduce access to maternity care, especially in rural areas, and increase risks for pregnant women.Key Facts
- Since July 2025, 52 maternity wards in the US have closed, and 8 more are scheduled to close.
- The HR1 bill will reduce federal Medicaid funding and impose new work requirements and more frequent eligibility checks for many adults.
- Hospitals like Centra Southside Community hospital in Virginia and St Mary’s Sacred Heart hospital in Georgia cited Medicaid policy changes as reasons for closing maternity wards.
- Around 40% of births in the US are covered by Medicaid.
- The US has a high maternal death rate of 17.9 deaths per 100,000 live births.
- Experts warn rural communities will be hit hardest, with 31 rural hospitals at risk of closing maternity units, potentially leaving 96 counties without local labor and delivery services.
- Medicaid work requirements might cause some pregnant women to lose coverage if their pregnancy status is not updated in the system.
- Cutting Medicaid funds by large amounts puts financial pressure on hospitals, leading to more maternity ward closures as they are costly to operate.
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