Jiménez Backs Cook County Board Resolution Strengthening Maternal Healthcare

CHICAGO- State Rep. Lilian Jiménez, D-Chicago, addressed the Cook County Board of Commissioners meeting on Oct. 22 in support of a resolution strengthening maternal healthcare.

“As a mother, I believe that the childbirth experience should be treated with dignity, safety, and support,” Jiménez stated. “When a labor and delivery unit shuts down in a community, the burden shifts onto the families and neighboring hospitals already stretched thin. Families must travel farther, overcome transportation challenges, and face additional costs. These are especially dangerous when unpredictable complications arise and obstetric care is delayed.”

Resolution 26-264 was proposed by Commissioner Dr. Keisha McCaskill in response to Roseland Community Hospital’s abrupt closure of its labor and delivery unit, which gave established patients only 30 days’ notice to find a new provider. This marks the fourth labor and delivery unit on the South Side to close, further deepening healthcare inequities. Frontline nurses, doctors and other healthcare staff at Roseland represented by Service Employees International Union (SEIU) are in favor of the resolution after being significantly affected by the closure.

During the meeting, Jiménez delivered supporting remarks and referenced the resolution’s origin, which was inspired by House Bill 345, a bill Jiménez led last year in the General Assembly to protect adequate healthcare for expecting mothers. The bill, which has yet to reach a vote, requires any hospital or health system to provide public notice no less than 120 days prior to the proposed closure date. It also requires hospitals to hold at least one public meeting after notice is provided—measures that give residents and healthcare workers time to understand the potential impact, raise concerns, and explore alternatives.

“Community members deserve a voice in decisions that affect their health. The abrupt closure of a crucial service such as a labor and delivery unit creates an obstacle to care and provides insufficient time to explore alternatives. It’s disheartening to see hospitals that Black and Brown families rely on continue to close. We must do more and work collaboratively across all levels of government to keep all mothers and their families safe.” Jiménez stated.

###