MedStar Nurses Protest Postpartum Unit Closure Affecting Vulnerable Groups

Postpartum Unit Closure at MedStar Washington Hospital Center Raises Concerns

Unionized nurses at MedStar Washington Hospital Center (MWHC) in Washington, D.C. have voiced strong opposition against the hospital's decision to shut down a postpartum unit, as reported by the National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United (NNOC/NNU). The hospital informed the union on May 26, 2026, about its plans to close 11 maternal health beds, impacting eight nurses, by July 26, 2026. This move would leave the facility with only one postpartum unit.

During a subsequent town hall meeting with nursing staff, Chief Nursing Officer Ariam Yitbarek affirmed the closure. Hospital leaders have also indicated that scheduling of C-sections and inductions will be strictly limited for patients from various maternal health organizations in D.C. These organizations predominantly cater to low-income individuals, immigrants, and people of color, groups that face elevated maternal mortality risks. Additionally, Kaiser Permanente, which insures a significant number of D.C. city employees and MWHC staff, will experience restrictions on scheduling these procedures for their patients.

“Closing postpartum unit 5F will gravely impact those most affected by health disparities,” stated Stephanie Sims-Coates, RN, who works in the neonatal intensive care unit. “Our low-income families and families of color will be most affected by this closure. Families trust the medical staff at MWHC and plan to come to us for their care. In a city where Black women make up 90 percent of pregnancy-related deaths despite being only half the population, the hospital’s decision to close this unit is a significant mistake.”

The planned closure has prompted community leaders and healthcare workers to urge MedStar to prioritize patient care over financial considerations. Recently, nurses engaged with D.C. mayoral candidate and Ward 4 councilwoman Janeese Lewis George to discuss the closure's potential effects on the area’s most vulnerable populations.

“Maternal mortality is a crisis for Washington, DC, and our healthcare system needs to address the crisis immediately, rather than exacerbate the challenges that birthing parents face,” said Councilwoman Janeese Lewis George. “Now is the time to invest in health care, rather than make cuts. I want to work with the hospital to identify solutions that work for patients and the provider.”

Marcqueata “Tiya” Butler, RN, who works in the Mother/Baby unit, commented, “In my time at Washington Hospital Center, I’ve seen the hospital tout its Safe Moms, Safe Babies program and host a community baby shower specifically designed to call attention to the maternal mortality crisis. Their current plan to shut down 11 postpartum beds betrays the hospital’s stated commitments. They are aware of persistent inequities in access to care. We are calling on the hospital to consider the impacts on the community, safeguard the mothers and infants of DC and commit to addressing the maternal mortality rate.”

In 2024, MedStar Health, a registered non-profit, reported $9 billion in operating revenue.

NNOC/NNU represents over 2,200 registered nurses at Washington Hospital Center.

National Nurses United is the largest and fastest-growing union and professional association of registered nurses in the United States with more than 225,000 members nationwide. NNU affiliates include California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee, DC Nurses Association, Michigan Nurses Association, Minnesota Nurses Association, and New York State Nurses Association.

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