Medicaid cuts raise risk of more US maternity ward closures

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  Experts warn that federal Medicaid funding cuts could lead to more maternity ward closures across the United States.

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  Protect Our Care says 52 maternity wards have closed since the HR1 bill was announced in July 2025, and eight more have announced plans to close.

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  The bill will fully take effect in the new year, bringing work requirements for many adults covered by Medicaid, more frequent eligibility checks and less federal funding for states.

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  March of Dimes has identified 31 at-risk rural hospitals with labor and delivery services; their possible closure could leave 96 counties without such a unit.

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  Medicaid pays for about 40% of births in the United States, where the maternal mortality rate is 17.9 deaths per 100,000 live births, according to the latest CDC figures.

Who

US hospitals and communities that rely on maternity wards, especially in rural areas, face the risk of closures.

What

Experts warn that Medicaid funding cuts could prompt more maternity ward closures.

When

The HR1 bill was announced in July 2025. It will fully take effect in the new year.

Where

Across the United States, including rural communities.

Why

The bill reduces federal Medicaid funding for states and adds work requirements and more frequent eligibility checks for many adults covered by Medicaid.

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