Prime Healthcare announced on September 4, 2026 that it is suspending labor, delivery and maternity services at three Chicago-area hospitals, including Saint Joseph’s Medical Center. The decision eliminates obstetrics care at the facilities, leaving expectant mothers without local options for birth and prenatal services.
Illinois state Representative Lauren Underwood responded to the announcement, stating that the company has not offered any explanation for the suspension nor presented a plan to assist mothers in traveling to other hospitals for care. Underwood’s remarks emphasize the uncertainty facing families who now must seek obstetric services outside their usual communities.
The suspension follows earlier cuts by Prime Healthcare to obstetrics‑gynecology and pediatric departments at the same hospitals. Those reductions, made by the California‑based operator, set the stage for the current halt of obstetrics services. The three hospitals affected are among the busiest in the Chicago region, and the loss of maternity care is expected to increase demand at neighboring facilities.
Prime Healthcare has not released additional details regarding the timeline for resuming services or any alternative arrangements for patients. The lack of communication has drawn criticism from state officials and health advocates who argue that clear guidance is essential for pregnant women navigating the sudden change.
The development adds to ongoing concerns about access to reproductive health services in the city, as the affected hospitals had previously served a diverse patient base. State health agencies are monitoring the situation, though no formal intervention has been announced as of the report date.
The suspension underscores the broader impact of hospital network decisions on community health resources, particularly in densely populated urban areas where a single provider’s actions can affect thousands of residents.