Greene County General Hospital in Linton, Ind., will end obstetric services effective Jan. 31, according to a Dec. 3 post on Facebook.
Hospital officials said the change is part of a strategic transition in response to long-term challenges facing rural hospitals nationwide — including rising costs, underpayment from payers and a steady decline in local birth volume.
“While this is a difficult decision, it reflects the realities faced by rural hospitals everywhere,” CEO Brenda Reetz said in the post. “Reimbursement rates have not kept up with the cost of care. Maintaining continuous physician and nursing coverage is increasingly challenging with such a small number of providers, and our delivery volume has decreased over time. This transition is necessary to ensure that we continue delivering high-quality care for the long term.”
Starting in February, deliveries will take place at nearby hospitals, including:
- Daviess Community Hospital
- Sullivan County Community Hospital
- Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes
- IU Health Bloomington Hospital
- Deaconess Women’s Hospital
- Union Hospital in Terre Haute
Greene County General Hospital said it will continue offering prenatal, perinatal, postpartum and gynecological care at its My Linton Clinic. The hospital also said it is adding a quality nurse specializing in maternal, fetal and pediatric readiness to enhance emergency preparedness.
A nurse midwife and general surgeon will remain available to provide women’s health and gynecological surgical care locally, the hospital said.
In the statement, Ms. Reetz emphasized that the OB transition is not a sign the hospital is in danger of closing.
“Greene County General Hospital is not among the rural hospitals identified as vulnerable for closure,” she said. “However, like all hospitals, we are facing increasing financial pressures… This OB transition is part of our strategic plan to protect the essential services our community relies on.”
Officials added that the hospital will provide personalized support for patients through the transition and offer resources for affected staff. A retention plan is in place for OB nurses through Jan. 31, and impacted employees will receive priority consideration for internal job opportunities, according to the statement.
Greene County General is one of dozens of hospitals that have announced maternity care closures in 2025. Becker’s continues to track these closures here.
