Watsonville Community Hospital in Watsonville, California, is set to close its obstetrics ward in 2027. The closure comes amid a deep financial crisis and will shutter the maternity ward and neonatal intensive care unit to avoid running out of money completely. Closing the obstetrics services in Watsonville will mean mothers have to travel farther to receive life-saving care, and nearby hospitals will become overcrowded to compensate for this loss. This closure underscores the urgent need to reform the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program to ensure that its financial benefits directly support vulnerable patients and essential hospital services, including maternity care, rather than allowing hospitals to reduce access to care while retaining revenue intended to serve underserved communities. Our Health Equity advocates for accessible and affordable maternal health care for all mothers, no matter where they live. Read more here.
