Roseland Community Hospital Shuts Labor and Delivery Unit

Roseland Community Hospital officially closed its labor and delivery unit at 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, November 1.

The decision reduces local birth options for expectant mothers on Chicago's South Side. Hospital officials attributed the closure to falling birth rates and financial pressure. The hospital's chief executive officer stated that fewer than 50 babies were scheduled for delivery at the facility by the end of the year.

Residents expressed concern about the loss of immediate access to maternity care. Carolyn Wilson, a community member, emphasized the importance of having necessary care available during labor. She described the service as very important to local families.

Activists criticized elected officials and health industry leaders for not fighting to keep the unit open. Andrew Holmes, a crisis responder, blamed the closure on the negligence of those who failed to advocate for the department's survival. He noted that patients must now travel at least 20 minutes to reach the nearest comparable services.

The closure follows recent shutdowns of obstetrics services at St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet and Resurrection Medical Center in Norwood Park. Dr. Joy West, chair of the OBGYN department at Roseland, voiced fear that the trend would worsen maternal mortality rates. She specifically noted that Black and Brown mothers are dying at persistently elevated rates in childbirth.

Antonie Turner, a longtime community member present during the unit's final hours, lamented the loss of a local birthplace. She stated that her children were born there and that others should not have to travel far to deliver their own. With the Roseland unit now closed, many patients will look to Advocate Trinity Hospital for care. However, that facility's obstetrics unit is also scheduled to close next year.