Iowa’s Labor Units Vanish | Des Moines News

Labor and delivery services at CHI Health Mercy Council Bluffs are shutting down after August 31, forcing expectant moms to travel to Omaha—just across the river—for care. The hospital blames a critical shortage of OB/GYNs and specialized staff, not Medicaid cuts as some have suggested. This isn’t an isolated case: it’s the third birthing unit to close in Iowa this year, with more to follow. By 2025, over half of Iowa’s counties could lose access to maternity care entirely. Since 2005, more than 40 birthing units have vanished nationwide, often due to staffing, finances, and low patient volumes. While prenatal and women’s health services remain local, labor and delivery patients will be redirected to Omaha’s CHI Health birth centers—about a 15-minute drive away. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/1ad55e12b71e65d2