![Rural Minnesota Sees More Hospitals Stop Delivering Babies](http://townsquare.media/site/65/files/2019/01/gettyimages-638416152-170667a.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Rural Minnesota Sees More Hospitals Stop Delivering Babies
DULUTH, Minn. (AP) -- A growing number of rural hospitals across Minnesota have stopped delivering babies, citing costs, limited doctors and demands to consolidate birthing centers.
Reports say the number of Minnesota hospitals offering birth services fell by almost 18 percent between 2000 and 2015. But rural areas were the most affected, with 15 hospitals stopping delivery services, a nearly 38 percent drop during that period.
It's a trend seen in rural areas across the country, including in neighboring Wisconsin.
The declining number of rural hospitals with operating birthing centers creates risks for pregnant women who have to travel hours to access labor and delivery services.
A recent University of Minnesota study identified a large jump in anxiety when hospitals in Grand Marais and Ely stopped delivering babies.
More From AM 1240 WJON
![Shooting Death Marks First Homicide of Year in Minneapolis](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2019/01/Police.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Baby Taken From Mother in Stolen Car Found Safe](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2019/12/Police-lights.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![St. Paul Teachers, Schools Enter Talks For New Contact](http://townsquare.media/site/241/files/2021/02/shutterstock_1746069446-scaled-e1598542685915.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Crews Douse Fire at Federal Reserve Loading Dock](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2020/05/Fire1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![St. Paul Man Dies Seven Days After Reporting Assault](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2019/02/Crime-tape.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![St. Anthony Police Investigating Man Found Dead as Homicide](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2019/02/Crime-tape.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Minneapolis School Bus Drivers Say They’re Ready to Strike](http://townsquare.media/site/65/files/2021/09/attachment-maxim-lopez-bqfkKohIFYw-unsplash.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Hennepin Medical Examiner Seeking to Identify Woman’s Body](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2021/09/attachment-GettyImages-1220495008.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Minnesota Governor Tim Walz Departs for European Trade Mission](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2021/05/Tim-Walz1.jpg?w=980&q=75)