The Windber Medical Center in southwestern Pennsylvania says it will no longer deliver babies because Obamacare’s projected reimbursements make it too costly to do so.
The hospital, which has delivered approximately 200 babies every year since 2005, also says declining birthrates and its obstetricians ending or retooling their practices added additional pressure to stop its obstetrics program.
“It is with heavy hearts that we inform the community that Windber Medical Center will be discontinuing its obstetric services,” said Chairman of the Board David C. Klementik.
A statement posted on the hospital’s website expressed regret over the decision and signaled that job losses are looming:
We understand this change will be difficult for some of our dedicated employees and are working closely with the Human Resources Department to provide assistance as able throughout the transition and beyond to place them in other areas where there are opportunities due to openings and / or growth within the facility.
March 31st will be the last day Windber Medical Center delivers babies.