Throughout California, hospital labor and delivery units are closing, casualties of a perfect storm of record-low birth rates, health care workforce shortages, and low Medi-Cal reimbursement. Closing maternity services is never an easy decision, and yet it’s one more and more hospital leaders are having to make.
Twelve California counties have no hospital labor and delivery units, and another 14 counties are on the brink of losing maternity services. If that happens, 45% of counties across California will have no hospital offering these essential services. Expectant mothers and their babies deserve better.
As we close out Women’s History Month, we are reminded of the work yet to be done to ensure women across the state have access to critical maternity services. Maternity care is a top conversation at our section meetings, and Hospital Council is talking with local elected officials to figure out how to protect these services. Hospital Council continues to collaborate with our state and Regional Association partners to ensure that policymakers understand the challenges hospitals face. Together, we can ensure that all Californians have access to the highest quality care in their moments of need.