52 U.S. maternity wards closed since HR1 bill announcement

52 U.S. maternity wards have closed since the HR1 bill was announced in July 2025, with eight more announcing upcoming closure, according to a Protect Our Care analysis reported Oct. 11, 2026. HR1 imposes Medicaid work requirements while reducing federal funding to states. About 40% of U.S. births are paid by Medicaid.