3 Corridor Hospitals Among the Nation’s Best for Maternity Care

U.S. News and World Report has issued its 2026 list of the best hospitals for maternity care in the nation, and three hospitals from Eastern Iowa have made the rankings!

Three Corridor Hospitals Receive the Highest Ranking

The Corridor Business Journal reports that 899 hospitals that provide labor and delivery services were evaluated for the annual list. About half of them earn recognition. The CBJ reports that three hospitals in the Corridor received the highest level of distinction. They are;

• Unity Point - St. Luke's Hospital, Cedar Rapids
• Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids
• University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center, Iowa City

What Criteria Are the Hospitals Judged On?

According to the CBJ, hospitals are evaluated based on C-section and episiotomy rates, unexpected newborn complication rates, birth-friendly practices, and best practices that support breastfeeding. Hospitals must submit extensive data and meet rigorous standards to qualify each year for the list.

Did Any Other Iowa Hospitals Make the List?

The CBJ reports that other Iowa hospitals that made the list include MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center, Regional Health Services of Howard County in Cresco, MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, Iowa Specialty Hospital-Clarion, MercyOne Birth Center in Mason City, and Shenandoah Medical Center.