MDI Hospital is latest to close labor and delivery unit

Photo / Courtesy MDI Hospital Mount Desert Island Hospital in Bar Harbor said this week it would close its labor and delivery unit, effective July 1.

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By Laurie Schreiber

Citing declining birth rates, Mount Desert Island Hospital in Bar Harbor said this week it would close its labor and delivery unit, effective July 1.

The announcement follows similar closures around the state, including MaineHealth’s plan to end inpatient labor and delivery services at MaineHealth Waldo Hospital in Belfast as of April 1, York Hospital’s closure of its inpatient birthing unit in 2023 and St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center in Lewiston closure of its maternity and women’s health unit.

“This is deeply personal for me — I gave birth to both of my children here,” said Christina Maguire, MDI Hospital's president and CEO. “We know how much this service has meant to our community. But we must adapt to ensure the continued strength of our hospital and the care we provide.”

The hospital cited a “dramatic decline” in births.

A decade ago, annual deliveries averaged around 100.

In 2024, only 32 babies were born at MDI Hospital. In 2025, that number has dropped to nine to date.

The low volumes made maintaining the specialized skills required for safe, high-quality obstetric care increasingly difficult, the hospital said.

The decision comes after a review of patient safety, staff readiness and long-term viability.

Maguire cited skyrocketing costs, a shrinking rural population and inadequate reimbursement from federal and state sources as part of the rationale.

Maternal health

The hospital said it was working to ensure maternal health remains a priority.

Elements of that plan include:

A grant and donor-funded renovation to double the size of the emergency department. One of the new rooms will be equipped with labor and delivery equipment for emergency births on the Island.
The hospital is coordinating with nearby facilities to ensure smooth transfers for deliveries.
Plans are in place for MDI Hospital’s emergency care staff to rotate through partner hospitals to maintain their labor and delivery competencies.
A new Women’s Health Patient Navigator program is under exploration to guide expectant mothers through prenatal, delivery and postpartum care through personalized support and care coordination.

MDI Hospital’s system includes health centers in Bar Harbor, Northeast Harbor, Southwest Harbor and Trenton.

The hospital is hosting a town hall to discuss the matter on April 3, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Jesup Memorial Library in Bar Harbor. Click here for more information.