Three Chicago-area Hospitals Halt Obstetric Services as New Maternal Centers Open

Prime Healthcare will suspend obstetric and neonatal services at Saint Joseph Medical Center (Joliet), Mercy Medical Center (Aurora), and Resurrection Medical Center (Chicago) due to very low birth volumes (fewer than one birth per day on average). Two new maternal care centers will open at Saint Mary of Nazareth (Chicago) and Olympia Fields Hospital (Olympia Fields), with closures targeted around October 1. Critics, including Rep. Lauren Underwood, warn about access and transportation challenges for expectant mothers.