The decision to close Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital’s labor and delivery unit has sparked widespread outrage and concern among community leaders, healthcare advocates, and residents. The closure set for March 31st of this year, which prioritizes profit margins over critical patient outcomes, will disproportionately impact marginalized communities that rely on timely, high-quality maternal care.

Cleveland Clinic Martin North has consistently maintained exceptional statistics in maternal and neonatal health, serving as a vital lifeline for families in the region. The hospital’s labor and delivery unit has been a cornerstone of healthcare access, particularly for low-income families, communities of color, and those already facing barriers to care. This incredible care is in large part to their model of midwifery care, not practice in surrounding counties. Its closure is not just a blow to the region’s healthcare infrastructure but a stark disregard for the lives of vulnerable patients.

This is not just a hospital decision; it’s a moral failing. Martin North’s labor and delivery unit has been a beacon of quality care in our community, and its closure creates a dangerous void. Women in labor will now face longer travel times to other facilities, increasing the risk of poor outcomes, especially for high-risk pregnancies. This decision clearly values financial gain over human life. In addition to ignoring community need, they are also not following state law, which requires a 6 month notice before closure occurs. I’m personally outraged for my doula clients who are being blindsided.

The closure comes at a time when maternal health disparities are growing nationwide. According to the CDC, Black and Indigenous women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. With Cleveland Clinic Martin North’s closure, these alarming statistics are likely to worsen in the region, as it is the only labor and delivery unit in the county.

Experts and advocates point out that while the Cleveland Clinic has cited financial considerations, the decision undermines the hospital’s mission to provide compassionate, high-quality care. By shuttering a unit that has met and exceeded performance benchmarks, the hospital appears to prioritize profits over the community’s well-being.

Community leaders are calling on Cleveland Clinic to reverse this harmful decision immediately and to reinvest in equitable healthcare access. The closure of Martin North’s labor and delivery unit sends a chilling message to underserved populations: their lives and health are expendable in the name of profit.

This isn’t just a local issue; it’s a national crisis in how we approach healthcare. The Cleveland Clinic should be a leader in addressing disparities, not creating them. We demand accountability and action before this closure causes irreversible harm to the residents of Martin County.

A rally will be held on January 4th at Cleveland Clinic North’s main entrance to raise awareness and mobilize support for the impacted families. Community members, healthcare workers, and advocates are encouraged to join and speak out against this unjust decision.