Keep in mind that for some of these smaller hospitals, delivering babies doesn’t bring in a lot of money, especially when you consider they need to have anesthesia available 24/7 too. Plus there’s a much higher risk of malpractice suits. I would imagine that if some of these small hospitals did not stop delivering babies they may eventually need to close, which is worse for even more patients. Still incredibly sad and concerning they are done with deliveries though.
On a side note, it’s too bad the Des Moines hospitals being in the center of the state and all, aren’t as capable in high risk situations as UIHC.