COOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER STAMPS, COOK COUNTY CLERK GORDON, PCC WELLNESS CENTER, AND OTHER ELECTS TO TRAVEL TO WEST SUBURBAN HOSPITAL TO PROTEST THE CLOSURE OF COMMUNITY HOSPITAL LABOR AND DELIVERY DEP


COOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER STAMPS, COOK COUNTY CLERK GORDON, PCC WELLNESS CENTER, AND OTHER ELECTS TO TRAVEL TO WEST SUBURBAN HOSPITAL TO PROTEST THE CLOSURE OF COMMUNITY HOSPITAL LABOR AND DELIVERY DEPARTMENT


ANOTHER PLANNED CLOSURE OF A LABOR AND DELIVERY DEPARTMENT

THAT SERVES PREDOMINATELY BLACK AND BROWN WOMEN


“THERE IS A WAR AGAINST BLACK WOMEN IN ILLINOIS”

 

“When community hospitals close labor and delivery departments, they send a dangerous message:

That the Lives of Women, Particularly Black Women, Do Not Matter.”



Thursday, December 5th, 2024 @ 10:00 AM

West Suburban Hospital, 1 Eric Court Suite 7120, Oak Park, Illinois

 


Chicago, IL – December 4th, 2024 – Tara Stamps- Cook County Commissioner of the 1st District- will joined by Cook County Commissioner Monica Gordon, Women’s Health Advocacy Groups, Staffers from the PCC Wellness Center and other local and regional elected officials a protest and call to action to prevent the closure of labor and delivery departments in community hospitals throughout Cook County. These closures disproportionately impact women of color, particularly Black women, in urban and underserved communities, worsening an already critical maternal health crisis.


The crisis is most evident at West Suburban Medical Center, where a reduction of OB/GYN privileges from six to just one physician jeopardizes access to safe deliveries for more than 75 expectant mothers scheduled for December. 


“This is more than a policy failure—it’s a blatant attack on the health and dignity of women in our communities,” said Commissioner Stamps. “When community hospitals close labor and delivery departments, they send a dangerous message: that the lives of women, particularly Black women, do not matter. We will not stand by as vital resources are stripped away from our families and neighborhoods.


A Call-to-Action Commissioner Stamps, Clerk Gordon, and PCC Wellness Center are rallying the community to combat the systemic shutdown of labor and delivery units in community hospitals. These closures deprive communities of vital healthcare services, disproportionately putting low-income families and women of color at risk.


Why It Matters:


• Maternal Health Crisis: Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women. The closure of labor and delivery units worsens this disparity by increasing travel times to hospitals and delaying care in critical moments.

• Community Impact: The closure of these units in urban and underserved areas like Cook County creates healthcare deserts, leaving families without access to essential maternal care.


Action Plan to Stop the Closures


To address this alarming trend, Commissioner Stamps, Clerk Gordon, and PCC Wellness Center are launching the following initiatives:


1. Community Advocacy Forums: Host town hall meetings and community forums to amplify voices and organize collective action.

2. Policy Engagement: Advocate for legislative measures that protect labor and delivery departments in community hospitals.

3. Community Partnerships: Build coalitions with healthcare providers, advocates, and local organizations to ensure every woman has access to safe and equitable maternal care.

4. Public Awareness Campaign: Launch a robust social media and public outreach effort under the hashtags #SaveMothersLives and #StopClosures to build momentum and awareness.


Commissioner Stamps, Clerk Gordon, and PCC Wellness Center will publicly urge community members, healthcare professionals, and leaders to take a stand and demand the preservation of these critical healthcare departments.


“We must treat this for what it is: a life-or-death issue,” said Commissioner Stamps. “We need everyone—advocates, neighbors, and decision-makers—to step up and fight for the future of maternal health in Cook County.”


For More Information To get involved or learn more about upcoming events, please contact the Office of Commissioner Tara Stamps at 708-739-5167


About Commissioner Tara Stamps

Commissioner Tara Stamps represents the 1st District of Cook County, championing equitable healthcare and advocating for policies that address systemic disparities in underserved communities.


About PCC Wellness Center

PCC Wellness Center is a trusted provider of preventive and maternal healthcare services, dedicated to improving health outcomes for underserved communities in Cook County.

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